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Diseases during pregnancy

Sickness during pregnancy? It's always difficult, because you have to take care of not only yourself, but also your little one. See what to look out for with each condition.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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:

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.