Every woman, when carrying a child, should be more attentive to her health. At this time, physiologically weakened immunity contributes to the development of many diseases, and influenza is no exception. Therefore, it is necessary to know its manifestations in order to suspect the disease and consult a doctor in time, as well as information on whether the flu is dangerous in the third trimester of pregnancy and what its consequences may be.

Influenza is a highly contagious disease that has an acute course. Transmitted by airborne droplets. The disease is caused by viruses of types A, B and C, which are characterized by constant, progressive variability in their structure. In this regard, new varieties of pathogens arise to which people have no immunity.

In the third trimester of pregnancy and before giving birth, women are less resistant to infections, which is why it is so easy for them to catch the flu. Expectant mothers increase their susceptibility to infectious diseases, so they often experience a severe course of the disease and complications.

How does the virus work?

The pathogenic effect of the virus primarily depends on its biological properties - high toxicity and predominant damage to the mucous membrane that lines the respiratory tract.

Penetrating through the respiratory tract, the influenza virus settles on their mucous membrane and releases toxins, which spread through the bloodstream throughout the body. Penetrating through the placenta, it damages it and enters the baby's circulatory system.

Influenza infection contributes to a sharp decrease in the body's resistance to the expectant mother, the functioning of the immune and endocrine systems is disrupted, as a result of which if a woman has chronic diseases, they become more active (for example, pyelonephritis, tonsillitis, etc. worsen). The baby is born weakened or with one or another pathology.

Clinical picture

There are signs that can distinguish influenza from a viral infection. These include:

• acute onset of the disease, body temperature quickly rises to 39-40 °C;
• headache in the frontal and temporal region, photophobia, pain when moving the eyeballs;
• pronounced signs of general intoxication - chills, severe general weakness, dizziness;
• muscle and joint pain, body aches;
• catarrhal manifestations are mildly expressed (a slight sore throat, mild runny nose, mild dry cough may be observed) or more often completely absent;
• increased fatigue or severe general weakness after recovery may persist for another 2-3 weeks.

During the flu, the following periods are distinguished:

• Incubation - lasts from the moment the virus enters the body until the first clinical manifestations occur. Its duration is 1-3 days. Patients are contagious as early as 24 hours before the first symptoms appear. This is why it is impossible to prevent the spread of infection.
• The period of clinical manifestations of the disease lasts on average 3-5 days, depending on the body’s resistance and severity. But it is also necessary to take into account the fact that patients, after their body temperature has returned to normal, remain infectious for another 1-2 days.
• Recovery period.

There are such forms of severity of the disease:

• Mild - the clinical picture is poorly expressed, body temperature is within 38 degrees.
• Moderate severity - signs of intoxication and manifestations of the disease are clearly expressed, body temperature - 38.5 -39.5 ° C.
• The severe form is characterized by an increase in temperature to 40-40.5 ° C; against the background of flu manifestations, encephalopathy (impaired brain function) occurs, which can manifest itself as psychotic disorders (hallucinations, delusions), seizures, and vomiting.
• Hypertoxic - temperature above 40 degrees, can even rise to 41, encephalopathy, meningism (hypertonicity of the neck muscles), photophobia, and circulatory problems occur.

Flu during pregnancy in the third trimester has the same symptoms as in other patients. The disease during this period most often manifests itself as follows:

• short incubation period - only a few hours;
• pronounced signs of intoxication;
• other symptoms of the disease are mild.

Possible complications

An illness such as influenza can often cause complications in any person. It is very dangerous if they occur in a pregnant woman. Often such patients experience:

• pneumonia;
• myocarditis;
• sinusitis;
• meningitis;
• exacerbation of chronic pathology.

Complications of influenza during pregnancy in the third trimester have consequences on the course of pregnancy. The most serious are premature births. In addition, there may be:

• delayed physical development of the fetus, signs of hypoxia;
• polyhydramnios;
• placental insufficiency;
• placental abruption, bleeding;
• gestosis;
• anemia.

The effect of influenza on the fetus in the third trimester

The influenza virus in late pregnancy can cause infection of the fetus and cause premature birth. But this is slightly less pronounced than in the 1st trimester.

As a result of damage to the placenta, placental circulatory insufficiency may develop. This disorder is most often treatable, and pregnancy often ends in the birth of a viable, full-term baby. But intrauterine growth retardation and oligohydramnios may also occur; as a result, the fetus is born with a small body weight.

Studies have shown that newborn babies infected with the influenza virus in the womb, as well as young children, have a more difficult adaptation period compared to those whose mothers were not sick during pregnancy. Many had skin-allergic diseases, endocrine pathology, late teething, frequent acute respiratory viral infections up to 1 year, viral infections complicated by pneumonia.

First of all, the doctor should examine you and confirm that it is the flu. After this, treatment must begin.

A mild form of influenza in expectant mothers can be treated at home. The patient is cared for by a general practitioner, but the gynecologist must be informed about the pregnant woman’s condition. If necessary, he can add his own medications to improve the condition of the fetus during illness.

Pregnant women are subject to hospitalization in the following cases:

• severe and moderate influenza (severe signs of intoxication, body temperature exceeds 38.5°C);
• addition of bacterial complications;
• suspicion of the development of viral pneumonia;
• chronic extragenital pathology - in this case, a woman is hospitalized when her body temperature rises to 37.5 °C or higher;
• when the condition of the fetus worsens;
• in case of pregnancy complications.

During the treatment process, you must adhere to the following rules:

• After infection, treatment should begin immediately.
• Immediately call a doctor who will examine you and prescribe safe medications for the flu during pregnancy in the 3rd trimester.
• It is necessary to maintain bed rest and minimize external irritating factors. During this period, relatives and friends should provide the woman with a minimum of movement around the house for a faster recovery.
• Eat foods that are easily digestible by the body. Proper nutrition will provide support for a weakened immune system, restore the membranes of cells damaged by influenza and improve the functioning of the digestive system. Although there is no appetite during this period, you need to eat at least a little at least 4 times a day. Be sure to eat fresh vegetables and fruits, seafood (mussels, caviar, fish, etc.), olive oil, nuts, pumpkin seeds, and dairy products.
• Drinking plenty of fluids will help reduce pronounced signs of intoxication, thin the blood that thickens during illness, and lower the temperature. During illness, you should drink not only fruit juices and clean water, but also berry fruit drinks, various decoctions of berries and herbs. But caution must be exercised in the presence of edema.
• For additional immune support, you should take special multivitamin complexes for pregnant women.
• It is important not to forget about wet cleaning of the room where the sick expectant mother is and its frequent ventilation.
• All medications during pregnancy should be taken with caution. Use only medications prescribed by your doctor and under no circumstances self-medicate, because many medications are strictly contraindicated during pregnancy.

Antiviral agents

Should I use antiviral tablets for influenza during pregnancy in the third trimester? Drugs such as Remantadine and Amantadine cause danger. Both drugs cross the placenta, causing a negative effect on the fetus. Severe heart defects (for example, tetralogy of Fallot and others) have been described in fetuses whose mothers took them during pregnancy. In addition, these medications are no longer relevant today, since most influenza strains are resistant to them.

The National Clinical Protocol of 2010 recommends using the following drugs for the treatment of influenza in pregnant women:

• Tamiflu (oseltamivir) – 75 mg suspension or 1 capsule (75 mg) in 2 doses for 5-10 days.
• Relenza (zanamivir) - an inhalation agent - 5 mg 2 times a day, duration of treatment - 5-10 days.

It is important to remember that such drugs can only be prescribed by a doctor if the benefits of taking them are higher than the possible harm to the fetus and the body of the expectant mother. Therefore, they are prescribed as a last resort. If you cannot avoid taking such drugs, you should do this in a hospital setting.

The safer approved drugs in the third trimester of pregnancy are Oscillococcinum and Grippferon.

Oscillococcinum is a homeopathic remedy that is absolutely safe for expectant mothers. The drug can improve the patient’s condition and reduce the duration of the disease. During administration, the pill (this is the form in which the medicine is produced) is located under the tongue. Oscillococcinum is consumed an hour after a meal or 15 minutes before it. It is very important to adhere to the dosage recommended by your doctor. The duration of the course of treatment is 1-3 days. The medicine works best if you start using it at the initial stage of the disease.

Grippferon prevents the spread of viruses in the nasal cavity, and it is from there that they spread throughout the body. In this it is fundamentally different from other means. Produced in the form of a spray or drops. When Grippferon enters the bloodstream, it is able to penetrate through the placenta to the fetus. Studies have shown that during the use of the medicine there were no abnormalities in the baby or disturbances in the course of pregnancy. In the 3rd trimester, the fetal organs are already fully formed, so there is no particular risk during this period. Grippferon contains no mutagenic or toxic substances, so expectant mothers can take it if necessary.

The drug is started to be used at the first signs of the disease, 3 drops every 3-4 hours. The duration of treatment is 5-6 days. If you use a spray, one press on the bottle is enough. To ensure that the product is evenly distributed, use your fingers to massage the wings of your nose after instillation for several minutes. If you follow the instructions, one bottle is enough for a course of treatment.

Expectant mothers taking Grippferon note that it copes well with the manifestations of the disease. The drug is contraindicated in case of intolerance to its components.

Symptomatic treatment

Having diagnosed influenza during pregnancy in the third trimester, treatment should begin as early as possible. For this, symptomatic remedies are used.

Decreased body temperature

If the thermometer readings rise above 38 degrees, you can take paracetamol. You can drink half a gram of medicine at one time, but no more. The medicine should be taken for no more than 3-4 days. In no case should you exceed the daily dose. If during this time the temperature does not decrease, you should urgently see a doctor who can find out the cause of this condition and possibly recommend other means of treatment.

Fighting a runny nose

If the expectant mother has a runny nose, any drops that have a vasoconstrictor effect can be used only in case of severe swelling of the mucous membrane, when nasal breathing becomes impossible. To do this, it is better to use drops created on the basis of sea or mineral waters.

If the need arises, you should use vasoconstrictor drops no longer than the duration and dosage recommended by your doctor. If they are abused, the drug may enter the umbilical cord arteries through the mother's blood and, as a result, the blood supply to the fetus may be impaired. In addition, with prolonged use, dependence may occur.

It is also important to take into account the fact that some pregnant women may experience nasal congestion throughout the entire 9 months, and after childbirth, nasal breathing is restored. This is due to hormonal changes in the body of the expectant mother. In this case, there is no need to treat a runny nose.

Sore throat

If the expectant mother is bothered by a sore throat, she can gargle with a solution of furatsilin. To do this, you need to take 1 tablet of the drug for 1 glass of water. Or you can purchase a ready-made pharmaceutical solution of furatsilin.

Herbal decoctions will help soothe a sore throat. Here are some recipes you can use for this:

• An infusion of birch leaves, eucalyptus and sage in proportions 1:2:3. Pour boiling water over a tablespoon of the mixture, leave for 20 minutes, strain and use for rinsing.
• Boil sage - 1 tablespoon in 1 glass of milk. Boil everything for 10 minutes over low heat, strain, bring to a boil again and remove. This decoction should be drunk before bed.
• Take linden, raspberry, rowan flowers, lingonberry leaves and St. John's wort in equal parts. Pour 1 tablespoon of the mixture into a glass of water. Bring to a boil, strain and leave for about an hour. After this, the decoction is ready for use.

All rinsing infusions must be used warm.

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Cough treatment

Often the flu during pregnancy in the 3rd trimester is accompanied by a dry cough. First, eliminate this unpleasant symptom using inhalation. To thin sputum, you can use thyme, plantain, chamomile, and soda solution. Decoctions of the listed herbs can be drunk. If there is no result, you can take some medications.

For example, you can use Mucaltin, a safe herbal-based drug that has been tested for many generations. You need to take the medicine 1-2 tablets in 3 divided doses.

Gradually the cough becomes productive. For better expectoration during this period, it is worth using herbs that have an expectorant effect - string, lingonberry leaves, thermopsis and wild rosemary herbs. To do this, you can also mix still alkaline mineral water with milk in equal proportions and drink this drink warm, 1 cup in 3-4 doses a day.

Vitamin therapy

If you have the flu, do not forget about taking vitamins, since the expectant mother already has an increased need for them, and even more so during illness. But under no circumstances increase the dosage of these medications on your own; be sure to consult your doctor. For example, with long-term use of high doses of vitamins D and C, premature aging of the placenta can occur.

The most acceptable option for expectant mothers is to eat fresh fruits, berries, and their juices. In this case, the body can take all the necessary vitamins without excess.

Other safe means

Homeopathic remedies are safe for expectant mothers. They are used at the first symptoms of the disease, as well as for preventive purposes during an epidemic.

In the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, honey is used to treat influenza. It has found both external and internal applications. This product is good at converting a dry cough into a wet one. With a productive cough, it promotes better sputum discharge.

Recipes for internal use:

• mix 100 ml of black radish juice with 200 ml of honey, take 2 tablespoons of this mixture three times a day;
• before meals, dissolve 1 teaspoon of honey, this should be done 3 times a day;
• mix honey (300 grams) with chopped aloe leaves (1 kg), add half a liter of water, boil and keep for 2 hours over low heat, stirring frequently, then cool and take 1 tablespoon in 3 doses before meals; store the mixture in a cool place;
• add honey (1 teaspoon) to warm drinks consumed throughout the day.

Honey is used externally for coughs as follows:

• at night in the form of a compress on a cabbage leaf, covering it well with a terry towel;
• morning and evening, rub the chest area.

Despite all the precautions that expectant mothers take to avoid getting sick during pregnancy, it is rare that a woman will not get sick even once in nine months. Do not rush to panic if you feel that your throat is sore and your nose is running. There is a high probability that this is a simple problem that does not pose any particular danger to the unborn baby. It's worse if you have something called the flu.

Influenza (from grippe) is an acute infectious disease of the respiratory tract caused by the influenza virus. Included in the group of acute respiratory infections (ARVI). Periodically spreads in the form of epidemics and pandemics.

Causes of the disease

Influenza is caused by a specific virus called Myxovirus influenzae. You won't get the flu by simply getting your feet wet, but if someone coughs on you, it is quite likely, because from an infected person the infection enters the body of a healthy person through airborne droplets. After quite a short time, the person who was coughed on may already feel sick - the virus quickly multiplies in his body and is carried by the blood stream to all its parts. The virus destroys the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, which previously performed protective functions. This can cause a variety of consequences, including complications such as pneumonia and sinusitis. The virus has a negative impact on the cardiovascular system: an inflammatory disease of the heart muscles, which sometimes develops, can provoke heart failure. For pregnant women, the flu is dangerous precisely because of the complications it causes, the worst of which is the threat or, moreover, miscarriage. In addition, a pregnant woman’s body, weakened by influenza, is threatened by bacterial infections - staphylococcal, hemophilic, pneumococcal. During illness, chronic diseases often worsen: bronchial asthma and chronic bronchitis, metabolic disorders (gastrointestinal type), kidney disease, cardiovascular diseases.

Flu symptoms

The flu is characterized by chills, aching joints and photophobia, sometimes nausea and vomiting. All this is evidence of intoxication of the body. On the second or third day, a sore throat is added to the number of ailments. With the flu, the body temperature is usually quite high, up to 40 degrees, and when it periodically drops, the patient sweats a lot. This condition can last up to seven days. In addition, it can occur on the lips. A viral disease in some pregnant women is even accompanied by diarrhea. Like an ordinary person, pregnant women after the flu are left with asthenia syndrome - increased fatigue, tiredness, general weakness and weakness, and malaise. In addition, pregnant women are also prone to other difficulties, such as emotional disturbances. A woman can have both mild and severe behavioral disorders. The expectant mother becomes more irritable, she is bothered by tinnitus when getting out of bed and cannot tolerate bright light, loud conversations, or a running TV.

How is the flu treated?

Since the treatment of influenza in pregnant women has its own characteristics, it should only be prescribed by a doctor, whom you should contact immediately when you feel unwell. Many of the usual anti-influenza medications are contraindicated for pregnant women. For example, certain cough medications, vasoconstrictors, some antivirals. When treating influenza in pregnant women, doctors focus on. Drinking plenty of fluids is also recommended. The liquid will help flush out the dangerous virus from the body. It is better to drink something sour that contains vitamin C - hot tea with or lemon, fruit drinks, rosehip decoction. Antipyretic recommended for pregnant women - . If you are worried about a cough, your doctor may prescribe herbs or those antitussive medications that are approved during pregnancy. It will be useful to steam with infusions of calendula, chamomile, mint, eucalyptus, St. John's wort, pine buds, wild rosemary, etc. Antibiotics are not prescribed for influenza illness.

What are the consequences of the disease during pregnancy?

No matter how much you would like to answer differently, the consequences of suffering from the flu can be very different, and not a single doctor can tell you with 100% certainty whether the disease has affected the development of the child or not. One has only to note that the flu is most dangerous in the early stages of pregnancy, up to 12 weeks. This is the period of laying the organs and tissues of the future baby, which is why it is so important that pregnancy at this time proceeds favorably. In subsequent periods, the child is just growing and the flu will no longer affect the structure of organs and tissues. If the flu does have a negative impact on the development of the child in the womb, then, most often, no matter how sad it may be, the pregnancy is terminated. If, after the flu, pregnancy proceeds smoothly and without complications, which is proven by normal test results and (it shows whether everything is okay with the baby and placenta), then there is nothing to worry about, and everything is fine with the baby.

Flu screening

There is a small possibility of a child becoming infected if the flu is particularly severe (with complications). The so-called “triple test” will help you check if everything is okay with the baby - for, estriol and. Testing for three hormones is mandatory, since the risk of pathologies is often impossible to assess using two or one. However, even so, the results of this test are often unreliable because they depend on many factors. The results of the “triple” test, which is sometimes retaken several times for greater reliability, will show whether you should calm down or continue examinations.

Subsequent examination will not be complete without an amniocentesis procedure. At the same time, a sample of amniotic fluid is taken, examining which, the presence of pathologies in the child is checked. But even in this case, unfortunately, no one can give 100% guarantees that there are no or no deviations. At the same time, the procedure is also dangerous, although it is carried out almost painlessly and very quickly, under ultrasound control. The threat of miscarriage or exists in approximately 1-2% of cases after it is performed. Therefore, you should think carefully and weigh everything before agreeing to such a study.

Prevention

Pregnant women are more likely to become infected compared to other people, since the immunity of such women is often weakened. It is known that influenza epidemics can be predicted because they occur in a certain period of time (autumn, spring). Therefore, doctors advise treating the flu before an epidemic occurs. It is considered safe for children because modern vaccinations contain inactivated (killed) influenza virus. An exception is made for women whose pregnancy does not exceed 14 weeks - they should not receive a flu vaccine. In addition, no flu vaccine can guarantee that a person will definitely not get this disease. The possibility of contracting the virus, even in a mild form, exists. This is a good reason to increase your immunity through hardening, a healthy lifestyle, and physical activity.

To prevent the disease, many doctors advise lubricating the nasal mucosa before going out into public places. In the evening, before going to bed, rinse your mouth with tincture of eucalyptus or calendula, which will wash away harmful microbes accumulated during the day.

Especially for- Elena Kichak

How dangerous is the flu during pregnancy? How to treat it? The influenza virus is most dangerous due to its complications on the body of the mother and child. Rarely does pregnancy occur without this common disease. It is necessary to ensure bed rest, wet cleaning and fresh air flow into the room.

Self-medication is dangerous in any trimester of pregnancy. Therefore, at the first symptoms of the disease, you should consult a doctor. A healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, and light forms of hardening will help prevent the disease and relieve serious complications.

Flu symptoms

Influenza is an infectious disease of the respiratory tract caused by the influenza virus. It is spread by airborne droplets. If a person has the flu, sneezing and coughing can spread the infection further. This is how the influenza virus reaches healthy people. In the body, it spreads with the bloodstream and destroys the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract.

Flu symptoms include:

• aching joints;
• fear of light;
• increased body temperature;
• cough;
• runny nose.

Sweating in a state of flu is replaced by chills. This is due to the fact that body temperature decreases. Then the person sweats. After some time, this state is replaced by chills. This means that the temperature rises again (sometimes up to 40° C).

First, it is necessary to correctly diagnose influenza during pregnancy. "How to treat him?" - this is a question that needs to be resolved secondarily. The symptoms of influenza are similar to some other viral diseases. You should consult a doctor for a correct diagnosis and do not self-medicate.

during pregnancy

Flu during pregnancy can cause many different complications. How to treat it? Will this harm the baby?

The influenza virus can have a negative impact on the condition of a pregnant woman and affect the development of the fetus. The threat of miscarriage, premature birth - these are complications after an infectious disease.

• The virus negatively affects the cardiovascular system. May cause heart failure.
• Cause complications such as pneumonia, sinusitis, bronchitis, otitis media, sinusitis.
• Influenza contributes to the complication of chronic diseases (gastritis, asthma) and leads to metabolic disorders.

After an illness, immunity and resistance to various types of bacterial infections (pneumococcal, staphylococcal, hemophilic) decreases.

Flu during pregnancy in the first trimester. How to treat

Flu is especially dangerous in the early stages of pregnancy, up to 12 weeks. The virus can travel through the bloodstream and infect the fetus. Unfortunately, no doctor can say for sure how influenza during pregnancy will affect a child’s development. In the first trimester, reviews from women who have been ill and doctors tend to believe that the consequences in each case may be different.

There is an assumption that the flu especially affects the central nervous system and affects the nerve cells of the fetus. You should know that the mother’s body produces antibodies and is able to protect the embryo from the virus.

The greatest danger is the consequences in the form of At 2-3 months of pregnancy, the formation of embryonic organs occurs. Defects in their development can be caused by influenza during pregnancy in the first trimester. How to treat it?

You should not take medications for the first 12 weeks. They can negatively affect the baby's development. Be sure to stay in bed at the beginning of the disease and limit your intake of salty foods. Only in case of high temperature (from 38.5 ° C) should you take medicines with paracetamol (for example, Ibuprofen).

Flu during pregnancy. Second trimester

You should know that during pregnancy there is a natural decrease in immunity. This occurs due to the fact that the child’s cells are perceived by the mother’s body as foreign. Only in this case will the woman be able to bear the baby.

The disease contributes to fetal hypoxia. It can harm the placenta, lead to oligohydramnios, and premature rupture of amniotic fluid. Flu poses a threat of miscarriage during pregnancy in the second trimester. It is better to start treatment from weeks 12 to 24 with decoctions of rose hips and chamomile. Drink fruit drinks, dried fruit compotes. Try to use folk remedies as much as possible.

During illness, it is necessary to stay in a well-ventilated area, with a room temperature no higher than 23° C. Reduce vigorous activity and rest more. Limit food intake if you have a decreased appetite.

In general, the influenza virus affects the birth process itself. After an illness, the risk of blood loss and weakening of labor increases.

Flu during pregnancy in the third trimester. How to treat

From 24 weeks, the mother’s body becomes most susceptible to the influenza virus. Decreased immunity and susceptibility to infectious diseases contribute to complications during illness.

You need to try to protect yourself from large crowds of people, especially during flu epidemics. The incubation period can last from several hours to several days.

Possible intrauterine infection of the fetus, the development of hypoxia can form the flu during pregnancy in the third trimester. Treatment should begin at the first symptoms. Be sure to call a doctor at home and follow all his recommendations.

If you get the flu during pregnancy in the third trimester, how to treat it? Preference should be given to traditional methods. Minimize your medication intake.

Medicines

You should not self-prescribe antiviral medications. At high, obvious temperatures, take Paracetamol. In some cases, doctors allow the use of acetylsalicylic acid. You should take antipyretics no more than 4 times a day.

Do not take antibiotics or painkillers under any circumstances. This should only be done on the advice of a doctor when your health condition is of serious concern. You should not take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

It is allowed to gargle with a solution of Furacilin or baking soda. You can add herbal medicines to your treatment for better expectoration.

For severe runny nose, use vasoconstrictor medications. It must be remembered that it is recommended to bury them for no more than 3 days. In mild cases, it is better to limit yourself to rinsing the nose with saline solution.

Indications for hospitalization

1. Lack of quality home care and good conditions.
2. Complication of chronic diseases (cardiovascular, pyelonephritis, tonsillitis).
3. The appearance of complications of influenza (pneumonia, damage to the nervous system).

Folk remedies

Even folk remedies during pregnancy are best used after consulting a doctor. Possible complications and damage to the fetus are caused by influenza during pregnancy. How to treat it?

Tea with raspberries, honey, and lemon can be taken throughout pregnancy. cranberries will help lower the temperature and remove toxins from the body.

Gargles with calendula, eucalyptus, and sage are recommended for sore throats. Radish juice with honey and boiled dates with boiled milk will help relieve coughs. Soda inhalations will help with dry cough. To remove phlegm, prefer steam inhalations with herbs - chamomile, St. John's wort, oregano, lavender, eucalyptus. It is not recommended to inhale vapors while covered with a towel at high temperatures.

Phytosolutions made from carrot and apple juice with the addition of a few drops of fir oil are suitable for the nose. beets can be dripped every 2-3 hours.

You can take ginger tea as a general tonic. Grate ginger root (about a teaspoon), pour 2 cups of boiling water over it. Add honey and lemon juice to taste.

Flu prevention

Vaccination against the influenza virus is safe for mother and child. Contraindications for it are the first 14 weeks of pregnancy, individual intolerance, allergy to the drug.

The absence of stress and hypothermia is also included in the prevention of influenza. Proper nutrition, restful sleep, taking vitamin supplements. Essential oils should be used for aromatherapy. Rinse your mouth with tincture of eucalyptus and calendula mixed with water. Wear a gauze bandage during a flu epidemic. Periodically iron it and wash it.

• Do not walk in rainy weather or in strong winds.
• Regularly ventilate the apartment and do wet cleaning.
• Dress for the weather, lubricate your nose with oxolinic ointment.
• Accept (within reasonable limits).
• Avoid people who already have the flu.
• Place chopped onion and garlic in the room.

Flu during pregnancy in the 3rd trimester. How to treat the flu, the consequences of the flu and its danger for the expectant mother and baby. Prevention of influenza during pregnancy.

Unfortunately, it is rare that a pregnancy occurs without colds and viral diseases, since the female body is weakened during this period. What to do if flu occurs in the 3rd trimester during pregnancy? Of course, treat him. You should immediately consult a doctor when the first signs of the disease appear. Any expectant mother can get the flu in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy; it is important that treatment is carried out under strict medical supervision.

Treatment of influenza in the 3rd trimester

Treatment of influenza during pregnancy in the 3rd trimester is carried out strictly as prescribed by the doctor. You cannot self-prescribe medications against influenza in the later stages. Since most medications are contraindicated during pregnancy, therefore, only a doctor should tell you how to treat influenza in late pregnancy.

Typically, in the last months of pregnancy, symptomatic treatment of the disease is carried out. Interferons are prescribed as antiviral drugs. If complications arise, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

Prevention of influenza during pregnancy in the 3rd trimester

The best way to prevent influenza during pregnancy is vaccination, which is safe for both the expectant mother and her baby. Contraindications to vaccination are individual intolerance and pregnancy up to 14 weeks.
The absence of hypothermia, stressful situations, a balanced diet, and vitamins will also help protect the body, such as preventing influenza in the later stages. During an epidemic, it is better to always wear a gauze bandage and lubricate your nose with oxolinic ointment.
Preventing a disease is much easier than treating it. Therefore, expectant mothers, be extremely careful and try not to get sick. Remember that your baby’s health now depends on you: take preventive measures and monitor your own health.

Consequences of flu in the third trimester

Flu is dangerous in late pregnancy. It is fraught with many dangers and can cause various complications. Known consequences of influenza in the later stages. For example, it can negatively affect the cardiovascular system, provoke premature birth, and cause exacerbation of chronic diseases. Also, after an illness, the expectant mother’s immunity to bacterial infections, which are caused by pneumococci and staphylococci, decreases.

Swine flu is especially dangerous during pregnancy in the 3rd trimester. Strains of the virus penetrate the female body and multiply quickly, so it is important to immediately consult a doctor at the first signs of the disease, such as fever, cough, headache, vomiting and diarrhea. Otherwise, death cannot be ruled out.
The flu has a toxic effect on the unborn baby and can cause its death.

Every year, the cold season starts in our country as it gets colder outside, especially in the off-season, when the rains are replaced by clear and windy weather. But among all the respiratory diseases united by the term, it stands apart, although it also refers to viral respiratory pathology. This is due to its high contagiousness and tendency to epidemic spread, as well as the formation of a severe course among people at risk, including pregnant women. For them, it is dangerous due to serious and sometimes even fatal complications.

What is the flu: definition

First manifestations of influenza

From the moment the virus enters the body until the first symptoms appear, no more than 12-20 hours pass, and the flu begins acutely, with a sharp increase in temperature and chills, malaise and intoxication syndrome– weakness with weakness, pain in the eyes and nausea. Specific headaches of influenza origin are typical - they are localized in the frontal and temporal zones, can radiate to the superciliary arches and eye sockets, increased pain is typical when moving the eyes and head, against the background of fever, nausea and dizziness can occur.

Local symptoms are not very pronounced - maybe with minor discharge, or sore throat, and they appear later, after the third day of illness. On average, fever during influenza can remain high for up to five days, then drop sharply, which leads to severe sweating and redness of the face and body. In the future, a low, subfebrile fever of up to 37.5 -37.7C may be observed for several more days.

Some patients may experience influenza with moderate fever accompanied by redness of the face and neck, severe sweating with a slow pulse and decreased blood pressure, coated tongue and diarrhea; there may be typical viral changes with a decrease in the total number of leukocytes and their neutrophil generation.

Features of influenza in pregnant women

During the gestation period, the presence of pronounced general symptoms against a background of weak respiratory symptoms is typical; the incubation period is extremely short; a few hours after contact with the patient, the pregnant woman herself falls ill. High fever numbers are typical, difficult to reduce with the usual antipyretic drugs and a general serious condition; there may be a two-wave fever with an increase for the second time after a couple of days of normal or slightly elevated temperature.

The virus is able to penetrate the placenta, damage its structure, and also enters the bloodstream of the fetus, leading to the development of some flu-like manifestations.

What are the complications of influenza?

Often, the flu forms manifestations of tracheobronchitis with cough and hard breathing, intermittent wheezing in the chest area, these symptoms last up to two weeks. But The most dangerous thing for expectant mothers is pneumonia, which is typical for almost 10% of all cases. It may be of viral origin or formed as a result of the activation of opportunistic microbial flora of secondary origin. It can cause influenza and complications from the paranasal sinuses, as well as damage to the heart muscle or middle ear.

A severe form of influenza can occur in approximately 30% of women, weakness and hearing problems, lethargy with insomnia, convulsions and speech disorders, and meningeal signs with stiffness of the neck muscles may occur. With irritation of the meninges, it is possible to develop gait disorders and headaches, damage to the coagulation system with gingival bleeding, and inflammatory processes in the heart muscle.

In addition, placental lesions are typical, which can threaten, leading to emergence from the genital tract; immediate hospitalization is important for such a complication. Frequent cough and malaise can lead to or be due to a sharp change in intra-abdominal pressure and uterine tone.

Features of influenza by trimester of pregnancy

Flu during pregnancy in the first trimester

The first trimester is a period of active development of organs and tissues, and influenza during this period can lead to fatal lesions of the fetus with the formation of malformations and death in utero, which leads to termination of pregnancy. In the early stages of pregnancy, pregnancy fading and bleeding are possible, during which the fetus is rejected by the uterus. If he survives, defects of the nervous system are especially likely after the infection due to the high tropism of viruses specifically for this fetal tissue.

Flu in late pregnancy

In the second or third trimester, the flu leads to intrauterine infection of the baby, which threatens premature birth and, as a result, A damaged placenta develops into a sharp state of FPN, unable to cope with the function of delivering a sufficient amount of oxygen and all necessary nutrients to the fetus. Because of this, the baby may suffer from hypoxia, which in some cases can result in his death in the womb. At the end of the second and third trimester, influenza can threaten birth, development or intrauterine growth retardation and weight gain, and after birth, such children in approximately 60-70% of cases experienced delays in both physical and mental development. Subsequently, endocrine disorders, delays and skin pathologies, allergic diseases and frequent colds were typical.

Infection with influenza is not an indication for termination of pregnancy; if a woman develops an infection in the first trimester, after which the pregnancy is not terminated, a favorable outcome is very likely, but it is important to undergo all necessary examinations with a doctor throughout the entire gestation period.

Childbirth with the flu

Typically, childbirth occurs against the background of influenza, although urgent labor is quite possible.. They are carried out in the observation department of the maternity hospital with strict adherence to all anti-epidemic measures. They can often be complicated and negatively affect the condition of the fetus and then the newborn child, reducing its functional reserves and adaptation to new conditions. Such children may suffer from intrauterine pneumonia, they experience distress at birth, and require constant monitoring in the children's department. If, due to the flu, there is a threat of premature birth, doctors do everything to prevent it - such childbirth is dangerous for the child. If it is impossible to stop them, it is preferable to conduct them through the natural birth canal.

Flu is very dangerous for pregnant women, which is why self-medication of this disease is simply unacceptable. The formation of influenza during gestation is unpredictable in its course, which means that rapidly developing and life-threatening complications are possible, from which the woman and her baby can die. In this regard, it is important to call a therapist at home, make a diagnosis, and determine treatment tactics.

The treatment and prevention of influenza in women during gestation has its own characteristics that need to be remembered in order to prevent complications of both the flu itself and the negative effects of irrationally used medications.

How to treat flu during pregnancy

Usually, all treatment for influenza in pregnant women is carried out at home, but in special situations it is possible to place the expectant mother in a hospital. These include:

It is important in any conditions of treatment of influenza to provide the patient with strict bed rest for the entire period of fever with full care measures.

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It is important to have constant ventilation (hourly), wet cleaning of the patient’s room several times a day with disinfectants, disinfection of all the woman’s utensils, and treatment of all her cups, spoons, and mugs with boiling water.

It is important to isolate a pregnant woman from all surrounding people in a separate room, or at least create a separate fenced-off place for her.

Eating and drinking during the flu

Influenza significantly and actively consumes the reserves of a pregnant woman’s body, and therefore it is necessary to replenish nutritional components fully and adequately to the state and well-being through a nutritious and light diet and drinking regimen. It is important not to starve during the flu; eat light, semi-liquid and fortified foods according to your appetite as your condition improves.

The diet is based on vegetable and dairy products with fortified components that are easily digestible and stimulate appetite. It is important to limit salt and sugar, dairy and fermented milk products are recommended, and in the absence of pronounced edema, it is important to take plenty of warm drinks in the form of acidified fortified decoctions and drinks. Shown are alkaline mineral waters in warm form without gas, from berries, compotes without sugar, and decoctions of dried fruits. You should avoid boxed juices and fresh juices; they contain too much sugar or irritating ingredients. You need to be careful with drinks rich in salt or sugar. For sore throat, sore throat, milk with honey or butter, Borjomi, tea with lemon, linden blossom in the form of tea are recommended.

Flu medications during pregnancy

Any medications for influenza, whether specific or symptomatic, should be used only after being prescribed by a doctor and strictly in the dosage that was prescribed. If the drug is prescribed, you should carefully read the instructions before use, especially with regard to side effects and administration during gestation. Particular attention should be paid to analyzing data that indicates undesirable effects on the fetus. If you have questions or doubts about the drug, you should ask your doctor or ask to replace the drug with a safer one.

It is important to coordinate all your actions regarding the treatment of influenza with your doctor, from antiviral drugs to taking vitamins. It is important to carefully study the packaging of medications, the instructions for them and listen to the advice of your doctor so that not only the influenza virus, but also medications that penetrate the placenta do not have a negative effect on the fetus.

Antiviral drugs for the treatment of influenza during pregnancy

When treating influenza, it is necessary to take both specific drugs strictly in the dose prescribed by the doctor, and the use of symptomatic therapy. It is recommended to take antiviral drugs from the first day of illness, as they actively affect viruses, suppressing their activity, and preventing the formation of serious dangerous complications. Today, specific antiviral drugs are a mandatory part of the treatment of influenza in pregnant women, but not all of the widely advertised “antiviral” drugs are applicable. So, today, based on WHO recommendations, during pregnancy, Zanamivir or Oseltamivir, sold in pharmacies under different trade names, are acceptable for use against influenza (in our country it is Tamiflu).

If signs of flu appear, the doctor recommends taking the drug according to a special regimen for 5 days. The drug Zanamivir in the inhaled form of Relenza is also applicable for influenza in pregnant women for the purpose of treating and preventing dangerous and complicated forms.

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It is important to understand that these drugs are classified as group “C” drugs, that is, there is no data on the safety of their use during pregnancy due to the lack of voluntary and randomized trials. In experiments on animals, no dangerous effects were identified, therefore, if there are strict indications, they are used on the recommendation of a doctor for the shortest possible course and only under the supervision of a specialist.

The effectiveness of antiviral drugs of this type for influenza is high compared to the risks that may arise for the fetus. Any other drugs during pregnancy such as Arbidol, various ferons and homeopathic supposedly “antiviral” drugs do not affect the influenza virus and do not have proven effectiveness. Antiviral drug, applicable in the treatment of children and adults, is prohibited for use by pregnant women and currently has low effectiveness against type A viruses.

Symptomatic treatment of influenza in pregnant women

In addition to antiviral drugs during gestation, caution should also be exercised regarding symptomatic therapy aimed at eliminating all manifestations of influenza infection. Not all medicines used in everyday life against colds and flu are allowed for pregnant women, even if they are medicines against a runny nose, cough or fever.

When treating influenza in pregnant women, doctors use the following groups of drugs:

Multivitamin preparations, immunomodulators and many other drugs, herbal compositions and preparations should also be discussed with a doctor before use; they may have dangerous and teratogenic effects that negatively affect the uterus.

If necessary, use choose only those drugs that do not have side effects and have a prolonged effect, requiring once daily dosing. These include third-generation drugs and the shortest possible course as prescribed by a doctor. They are usually used for severe swelling and nasal congestion along with a combination of local medications in the form of drops or sprays. Only drugs based on:

• Xylometazoline
• Oxymetazoline
• Phenylephrine

A short course, no more than 4-5 days, so as not to cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms.

In the first trimester, due to possible resorption of drugs and a possible systemic effect, it is recommended to stop using any drugs for the common cold; from the second trimester, they can be used relatively safely.

Drugs against must be used with extreme caution; all codeine-based products and those that have a central effect are prohibited. It is important that such medications are selected exclusively by a doctor and strictly according to indications. Typically, agents are used that affect sputum, leading to its liquefaction and coughing.

Some of these drugs are prohibited for pregnant women due to their negative effect on the fetus, especially in the first trimester. Thus, acetylcysteine ​​and bromhexine preparations, as well as ambroxol, are used with extreme caution.

It is acceptable to use solutions with antimicrobial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic components in the form of lozenges, tablets and sprays. They are used strictly according to the instructions, alternating with gargling with solutions of soda and salt, and medicinal herbs.

Reducing temperature during pregnancy flu

Fever due to influenza has a protective effect, but if it exceeds 38.5 C, it must be reduced due to the risk of complications from the placenta and fetus. However, not all antipyretics are allowed during pregnancy, preparations based on acetylsalicylic acid or And are strictly prohibited , they negatively affect the embryo and fetus, blood flow in the uterus and placenta. The use of acetylsalicylic acid before childbirth, after 36 weeks of pregnancy, is especially dangerous. Usually, drugs with or are used to combat fever. The temperature must be reduced strictly according to indications; if values ​​exceed 38.5C, they cannot be used systematically.

The use of antibiotics in pregnant women with influenza

They are not used against the background of uncomplicated influenza in pregnant women; they do not affect the activity of influenza viruses, and can only cause harm during treatment. Indications for their use will be the presence of secondary microbial complications - exacerbation of foci of chronic infection (tonsillitis, sinusitis, pyelonephritis) or the formation of secondary microbial pneumonia. Antibiotics are selected strictly individually, taking into account the duration of pregnancy and the woman’s condition, and are usually administered in a hospital setting, under the supervision of a doctor and blood tests.

It is also dangerous to use drugs that affect a woman’s immune system, which works in a special mode during gestation. You should not use any medications yourself, even widely used ones; their reaction to the body of pregnant women has not yet been fully studied.

Preventing influenza during pregnancy

The most effective flu prevention today is one that should be taken care of even before pregnancy. If it was not done before conception, it is important to consult a doctor before the outbreak of the epidemic about the possibility of vaccination with modern safe vaccines that do not contain a live virus.

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Pregnant women are at risk for a severe and unfavorable course of influenza, so they are vaccinated free of charge at a clinic or antenatal clinic before the outbreak of the epidemic, so that immunity has time to actively develop in full. The composition of vaccines today is completely safe for a mother and her baby; they do not contain live particles and do not cause complications. Vaccination is carried out after 14 weeks of pregnancy.

In addition to vaccination, protection against influenza during the epidemic season also plays a role by following safety rules - this is avoiding visiting crowded places where there are many sick people, wearing a medical mask, taking multivitamins and leading a healthy lifestyle, good nutrition and hardening activities.

Alena Paretskaya, pediatrician, medical columnist