Pregnant women's
zone
Influenza during pregnancy usually gives stronger symptoms and sometimes lasts longer than normal. In women who are expecting a baby, the immune system is much weaker and therefore there is an increased risk of not only viral but also bacterial infections. Influenza and pregnancy in the first trimester is particularly dangerous for the fetus. By 18 weeks of fetal life, the placenta is developing, which provides a natural barrier against the entry of microorganisms. Influenza at the beginning of pregnancy is treated similarly to that which occurs in subsequent trimesters.
What are the risks of influenza during pregnancy?
A simple cold, lasting a few days, has little effect on the fetus. It is different with influenza. There is no doubt that influenza in the first trimester of pregnancy treated incorrectly or not treated at all particularly affects the pregnant woman’s heart muscle, which can result in post-influenza myocarditis. The lungs are also at risk, with the consequent risk of complications in the form of bronchitis. When influenza strikes a woman in the final weeks of pregnancy, it can cause premature birth, low birth weight of the baby, impaired development of the nervous and digestive systems. The influenza virus in the most severe cases even threatens to cause fetal death. Pregnancy and the flu is apparently a failed combination, which is why it is surprising that only 10% of women expecting a baby choose to be vaccinated during pregnancy. Preventive measures are based on a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, avoiding contact with infected people, hand hygiene and choosing clothing according to the weather. Interestingly, during the first weeks of pregnancy, a woman may experience flu-like symptoms, such as headache and muscle pain.
Stomach flu in pregnancy in the 1st trimester poses slightly less risk to the pregnant woman than the common cold. During the symptoms of such ailments, a pregnant woman loses a great deal of water and electrolytes, putting her at risk of dehydration. The most important thing, therefore, is to drink as much water as possible during the intestinal flu in pregnancy, avoid coffee and tea, and take electrolytes.
Treatment of influenza in pregnancy
After the first flu symptoms appear, a pregnant woman should not take treatment on her own, but only seek help from a specialist. Taking any medication can have teratogenic, or fetal-damaging effects. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs containing salicylic acid or ibuprofen should be avoided in particular. It risks bleeding from the reproductive tract, damages the heart, liver and brain.
Influenza in the 9th month of pregnancy as well as that occurring in the first months can be effectively and safely treated with paracetamol and antihistamines. Standard recommendations, not only for flu symptoms in pregnancy, are to rest in the warmth in bed. There are also a number of home remedies to fight the infection. Influenza in the 1st trimester of pregnancy, and in the following months, can be alleviated with black currant, chokeberry, quince or orange juices. It is also not uncommon to recommend using marjoram or peppermint ointment for a runny nose during pregnancy. Baking soda inhalations are also effective, which cleanses and moisturizes the mucous membrane. A humidifier or ionizer with a few drops of essential oils is often placed in the room where the pregnant woman is staying. If there are no contraindications, a good method is to use onion or garlic syrups, which are considered an antibiotic of natural origin.
See also: Causes and characteristics of discharge during pregnancy
Influenza during pregnancy – how to prevent and treat it?
Influenza during pregnancy spends sleepless nights for moms-to-be. The best way to prevent it is through immunization, which is done in every trimester of pregnancy. Influenza at the beginning of pregnancy is particularly dangerous for the fetus.
How to treat a cold in pregnancy? Does the infection affect the baby?
A cold in pregnancy is a very common and troublesome problem. Headache, runny nose, cough, fever and malaise can make daily life much more difficult. It is important to remember that the mother-to-be should not use any medication without consulting her doctor. Therefore, it is worth reaching for home remedies for this ailment.
Ovarian pain at the beginning of pregnancy – causes, risks, prognosis
Stabbing ovarian pain during pregnancy not infrequently raises concerns about the health of both mom and baby. The ailment is characterized by a wide spectrum of causes: from physiological to conditions that threaten the maintenance of pregnancy. It is a good idea to inform your doctor about any worrisome symptom from the reproductive system.
Genetic ultrasound
During pregnancy, every mother-to-be should have a mandatory 4 ultrasound examinations. One of them is genetic ultrasound. When should it be performed and what is evaluated during this test?
Labor pains – recognition and relief of discomfort
Labor pains are undoubtedly some of the most painful sensations that accompany the arrival of a child into the world. Initially they are gentle and quickly subside. The closer we get to the birth action, the more severe and much more frequent they become.
Cytomegalovirus infection-what are the risks in pregnancy?
Cytomegalovirus is a disease that can have serious consequences for the developing baby in utero. Therefore, pregnant women should take a test to detect the virus. It is not mandatory, but it is recommended for all women. See what is the risk of cytomegalovirus infection in pregnancy.
Duphaston in pregnancy – indications and effects of the drug
Duphaston is a drug that contains a synthetic hormone that resembles progesterone. Indications for its administration include, for example, painful periods, irregular cycles or endometriosis. However, in most cases, the drug is administered to maintain pregnancy if the woman's body does not produce sufficient amounts of progesterone, and the patient is diagnosed with habitual miscarriage. Find out how Duphaston works and whether taking this drug during pregnancy is completely safe for the future mother and baby.
Is it possible to get pregnant with polycystic ovary syndrome? PCOS and trying for a baby
Many women who have heard the diagnosis wonder if it is possible to get pregnant with polycystic ovary syndrome. The reason for the concern is that the condition causes problems with ovulation and disrupts the menstrual cycle. However, it is important to remember that properly treated PCOS does not derail the chance of becoming a mother.
Stretch marks in pregnancy – why and when do they appear, how to prevent and treat them?
Stretch marks, or skin changes resembling vertical, red, narrow scars, are a common phenomenon that appears most often in the second trimester of pregnancy on the abdomen, breasts and thighs, which every mom-to-be wants to avoid. To prevent them, it is worthwhile, among other things. take care of the condition of the skin.
Changes in hormonal balance provoke the appearance of stretch marks. Sometimes it is impossible to avoid scars, but it is possible to influence their visibility. A good stretch mark cream for pregnancy can be effective, but it must be applied regularly and properly. Physical activity and the diet of the mother-to-be are also of great importance.
Stretch marks during pregnancy – causes
Stretch marks during pregnancy take a similar form to those that appear during rapid growth in adolescents, in people working hard to increase muscle mass, gaining weight due to eating disorders or excessive and unhealthy eating, and after plastic surgery such as breast implantation. The first stretch marks of pregnancy usually manifest themselves through itchy skin in the second trimester. At a later stage, they manifest as red or white, vertical, recessed or convex bands with uneven edges, which can appear both side by side and at greater distances. Pregnancy stretch marks form in the dermis and are most common around the abdomen, breasts, thighs and hips. The formation of scars is primarily associated with the deterioration of the tensile strength of fibroblasts, the cells that produce collagen and elastin fibers in the skin. Under pressure from an enlarging abdomen or breasts, the skin unsuited to the rate of growth breaks down, forming scars. In addition to hormonal factors, genetic predisposition also influences stretch marks during pregnancy. Their occurrence cannot be predicted, but by taking proper care of the body from the beginning of pregnancy, especially the areas prone to stretch marks, you can affect their visibility by various means.
How to avoid stretch marks during pregnancy?
Tensile-resistant collagen fibers become weaker under the influence of cortisol, and break down while gaining body volume, causing stretch marks. Sometimes it’s impossible to avoid scars, but there are some solutions to make the risk of them less, including:
- Skin care – a specialized cream for stretch marks during pregnancy based on natural ingredients, such as cocoa butter and vegetable oils and extracts, enriched with vitamin E and collagen, stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which improves skin elasticity. Pregnancy stretch mark product of this type should be applied regularly in a circular, slow motion;
- Massage – this is one of the more effective preventive treatments. It should be performed using a stroking technique not only on stretch marks, but also on further parts of the body. A pregnancy stretch mark oil with a neutral, safe composition is recommended for the treatment. The oil will not only make it easier to carry out the procedure, but will also allow you to relax thanks to the essential substances escaping under the warm skin warmed under the hands of the masseur;
- Diet and weight control – weight gain during pregnancy is inevitable, but it is possible to gain weight in a healthy and conscious way. The solution is a rational pregnancy diet and avoiding the “I eat for two” rule. Pregnancy stretch marks can be smaller when the weight increases by a safe 10-15 kg. Adoption over 9 months will be gradual, and the risk of scarring, less;
- Physical activity – swimming pool, walking, yoga, latino dancing.
What for stretch marks during pregnancy?
When stretch marks appear during pregnancy, it’s not too late to get rid of them or reduce their appearance. It is worth buying a good lotion for stretch marks during pregnancy and massaging the scars. A jet massage, such as in the shower, is irreplaceable. You can also guide the treatment with a sponge soaked in stretch mark oil. The thighs, buttocks and hips can be massaged intensively, while the abdomen can be massaged gently. Stretch marks on breasts during pregnancy also do not like too much stimulation. The area around the warts should be avoided. It is also worthwhile to ensure a diet rich in zinc, which improves the condition of the skin.
