How to Avoid the Cold during Pregnancy?

Having a cold during pregnancy may affect the maternal as well as the fetal health. Applying several preventive measures is essential for avoiding the risk of cold and flu in pregnancy. In this blog article, the causes and symptoms of a cold have been discussed. Preventive measures, diagnosis, and treatment have also been suggested to mitigate the risk of getting a cold during pregnancy. The impact on the health of the baby in the womb is discussed here briefly.

Why do I suffer from a cold during pregnancy?

Before diving into prevention, you need to know why pregnant women feel colder than anyone else. Feeling or suffering from a cough during pregnancy than usual is a common factor, as it is caused by hormonal changes and high amount of blood supply in the skin. It can also happen due to the following reasons:

Hypothyroidism 

If you have Hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland is unable to produce enough hormone. The interactive thyroid gland may lead to several problems in pregnancy, such as:

• Anemia 
• Pre-eclampsia 

Know more about Importance of Ultrasonography in Pre-eclampsia Assessment

• Premature baby or Miscarriage
• Birth defects
• An interactive thyroid in a baby 
• Hypothyroidism can be diagnosed and treated properly to avoid such conditions. 

Anemia

Anemia is a common health issue among women. Iron deficiency or anaemia may cause some issues during pregnancy. The problems are:

• Shortness of breath 
• Weakness and tiredness
• Sleepyness

Anxiety 

Feeling anxiety, fear, and panic attacks are common mental issues in pregnancy. 

How to Protect against a cold during pregnancy?

Several effective measures are essential for avoiding illness caused by a cold in pregnancy. The suggestions are as follows:

• Avoid contact with the person having a cold
• Clean your hands and face frequently 
• Avoid touching your nose and mouth with dirty hands
• Using masks is essential to avoid germs.
• Smoking should be avoided 

Enhancing your immune system is one of the best ways to prevent colds in pregnancy. Here, the best nutrients to improve your immune system have been discussed in the following points:

• Vitamin C 
• Vitamin D 
• Vitamin E
• Zinc

All the nutrients can be gotten from your diet. So, maintaining a healthy diet is necessary for a healthy pregnancy. 

What are the symptoms of a cold during pregnancy?

The following symptoms indicate getting a  cold in pregnancy:

1. Cough 
2. Headache 
3. Nasal congestion 
4. Muscles aches
5. Sore throat 
6. Fatigue

How to Diagnose a cold  in pregnancy

A proper diagnosis of the cold or flu is essential to have a healthy pregnancy. The follow-up tests are necessary to identify the root causes of the health issue:

Physical test- Your health care provider will perform some check-ups of your throat, lungs, and chest. Another test is RIDT  (Rapid influenza diagnostic test).

Treat a cold in pregnancy– Your health care provider will prescribe antiviral medication after checking your test reports. Safe medication is needed in pregnancy to treat a cold. Acetaminophen can help reduce a cough during pregnancy. Dextromethorphan and cough drops can be given to treat the respiratory problem.  

Home remedies for curing a cold  in pregnancy

The home remedies for treating colds are discussed in the following points. You are suggested to –

• Take plenty of fluids such as water and fruit juice.
• Take ample rest and deep sleep 
•  You can take warm salt water for sore throat
• Use  nasal drops 

Can a baby be affected by a cold during pregnancy?

Cold doesn’t have a massive impact on the growing fetus. It can be prevented through the body’s immune system. High temperatures may affect the health of the baby. The issues such as premature birth, low weight, and several birth defects can happen if it is not treated at an early stage. 

The right time to visit a doctor

If you observe the following condition, you can contact to doctor:  

1. Difficulty in taking breath 
2. Fast breathing 
3. High fever
4. Fever for more than 7 days
5. Vaginal bleeding 
6. Dizziness 
7. Severe vomiting 
8. Unusual symptoms 

If your catch is accompanied by chest pain and other symptoms, you may visit a doctor. He may prescribe antibiotics to treat infections. 

Fetal Imaging Institute is a well-known trusted Maternity Care Clinic in Kolkata, is experienced in handling complex pregnancies with great success. Our team of Gynecologists and expert staff uses advanced equipment and technology to diagnose health complications. We are renowned for our cordial hospitality. 

Conclusion 

A cold during pregnancy has no harmful impact on the mother as well as the unborn baby. Changes in releasing Hormones increase the possibility of having a cold during those days. Defects in body parts before birth can happen due to a severe, untreated illness. Hydrating yourself and maintaining precautions can be beneficial to avoid the possibility of a cold in pregnancy.

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