During the period of bearing a child, a woman needs to be especially attentive to her health. In the season of rising natural incidence of respiratory infections, influenza viruses are of particular danger. Most people are given the opportunity to get vaccinated against it, but this option is not always available to pregnant women. Given the natural immunosuppression, the risk of getting sick increases. But an even bigger problem is the complications of pregnancy with the flu.

What is special about the influenza virus?

Every year, information about the epidemic of the influenza virus appears in the public domain, only its alphanumeric designation changes. The English letters H and N denote the structure of the dominant virus.

Mankind has been familiar with influenza viruses for a long time, only in 1933 type A was first isolated. Later, after 7 years, type B was discovered, and after another 9 years, type C. The high variability of the pathogen baffled researchers. But the classification was built on the basis of the presence of certain antigen proteins. These are hemagglutinin (denoted by the Latin letter H) and neuraminidase (N). A total of 13 subtypes were identified for the hemagglutinin antigen and 10 for neuraminidase. They form many combinations.

Type A includes antigens H1, 2, 3 and N1 and 2. The type of virus is respectively designated H1N1, H2N1, and so on.

Hemagglutinin ensures the attachment of the virus to cells and the production of antibodies to it. But under their influence, a mutation of this antigen occurs, which is transmitted to offspring. Neuraminidase of the virus ensures the release of viral particles from the cell. She is also able to point mutate. New properties are transferred to young viruses. This allows the pathogen to evade the immune response.

Immunity is formed to a virus with a certain structure. Therefore, immunologists need to conduct research every year and make predictions about what type of influenza virus will cause an epidemic. Therefore, with an incorrect forecast, they may be useless.

What is the risk of infection?

For the fetus

The danger of a viral infection depends on the period when the infection occurs. On the early dates Influenza during pregnancy can lead to infection of the embryo. The placenta during this period is not yet formed, the mother's blood flows freely to the fetus. Its penetration into the cells leads to their destruction. For an embryo, the loss of several cells is fraught with death or the appearance of gross deformities, a violation of the laying of organs. In the first trimester of pregnancy, infection may be completed.

Infection with influenza in the second trimester is not so dangerous for the fetus. But when the virus crosses the placenta, signs of a delay appear. prenatal development fetus, it will lag behind in size and body weight from the norm.

Infection during the third trimester can also lead to intrauterine infection. Transmission of the virus sometimes occurs after childbirth. The newborn takes the disease very hard, complications often join. The reason is the imperfection of the immune system. Only maternal antibodies, which are passed through milk during feeding, are able to protect the baby a little.

For a pregnant woman

Complications of the disease pose a threat to the mother: her body has a heavy load in the form of a growing fetus. If there are chronic pathologies of other organs, then it is very difficult to avoid complications. Most often occur pathological conditions from the following systems:

• respiratory: bacterial pneumonia, empyema, lung abscess;
• upper respiratory tract: sinusitis, otitis media, tracheitis;
• cardiovascular: myocarditis, pericarditis;
• neurological: encephalitis, meningitis, meningoencephalitis, polyneuritis, neuralgia;
• muscular: myositis;
• other systems: nephritis, Reye's syndrome, toxic-allergic shock.

A feature of the virus is the tendency to damage the vascular wall of microvessels, while their patency is disturbed, hemorrhages appear. Pregnant women may develop a bleeding disorder due to an increased consumption of clotting factors.

flu on later dates pregnancy can lead to bleeding, including in the postpartum period.

The virus is able to interact with immune cells, cause their transformation. This leads to the following consequences:

• disrupts the response of the immune system;
• forms an immunodeficiency state;
• causes autoimmune reactions.

Joint tissues react to immunological disorders. Arthritis and arthrosis may develop or worsen. Dangerous and hemorrhages in the parenchymal organs, myocardium.

How does the disease manifest itself?

The onset of the disease is always sudden, the incubation period lasts 1-3 days. The first sign is an increase in temperature. In the first two days, it rises to 39-40 degrees. After that, it can drop to 38. About a day after the onset of the fever, other flu symptoms appear:

• headache;
• feeling of ache in muscles, joints;
• nasal congestion;
• dryness of the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx and throat;
• pain with eye movements;
• sometimes nausea, abdominal pain;
• sleep disorder.

Mucous discharge from the nose appears only after a few days. A characteristic feature of the pharynx: it is hyperemic, and fine granularity appears on the surface of the mucosa. These are areas of lymphoid tissue. This symptom persists up to 7-8 days after the fall in temperature.

Appearance the patient acquires characteristic features:

• the face seems swollen, puffy;
• pronounced pallor of the skin;
• cyanosis of the nasolabial triangle and lips.

Clinical manifestations of the attachment of complications depend on the affected organ. If it is the heart or pericardium, then pain of varying intensity appears, there may be noises, signs of disruption.

Accession of pneumonia is accompanied by a sudden rise in temperature, wheezing in the lungs, weakness. Shortness of breath appears.

Neurological complications are accompanied by signs of damage to the brain, its membranes. An intense headache develops, which is not relieved by analgesics, photo and sound fear. Pathological reflexes may be detected.

Sinusitis, or inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, is accompanied by a headache that worsens with movement. There may be a feeling of fullness in the sinus area: on the forehead, on the sides of the nose. The pain will get worse when you lean forward.

Is additional diagnostics needed?

What to do if the first symptoms of an acute respiratory infection appear? You need to see a doctor. Treatment of a pregnant woman should take place under the strict supervision of a therapist and gynecologist in order to prevent a negative effect on the fetus. But first you need to correctly diagnose.

In most cases, no special diagnosis is required to identify the influenza virus. The diagnosis is made on the basis of characteristic clinical signs and complaints of the patient.

If the flu affected the 1st trimester, but the pregnancy did not terminate, then in the period of 16-20 weeks it is necessary to conduct an examination of the fetus to identify malformations and hidden pathologies. For this, a triple test is carried out, which includes:

• alpha-fetoprotein;
• chorionic gonadotropin;
• estriol.

An analysis of only one hormone is not informative, it is imperative to perform it in combination. The blood test is supplemented by fetal ultrasound. According to its results, it is possible to assess the presence of gross malformations internal organs. If the results of the examination indicate the presence of deviations, it may be required. This is the pick up procedure. amniotic fluid through a puncture in the anterior abdominal wall under ultrasound control. Fluid analysis reveals genetic abnormalities.

Infection in the 2nd trimester and later requires other methods of examination. It is enough to carry out:

• fetal ultrasound;
• dopplerography of the vessels of the placenta, umbilical cord;

Serological methods for diagnosing infection are rarely used. The determination of the increase in antibodies is carried out at intervals of 8-14 days. This reflects only the process of immunity formation. Virological methods are necessary for microbiological laboratories in terms of studying the prevalence of the virus, because. the study requires a long time to grow the pathogen in cell culture.

Possible treatments

Treatment of influenza during pregnancy begins with non-specific techniques. They include limiting contact with other people, frequent wet cleaning of rooms, airing. If there is a quartz lamp at home, then quartz treatment can be carried out for 30 minutes twice a day.

Nutrition during the period of illness should be sparing, varied and balanced. In order not to further injure the oral mucosa, you should not be treated with hot tea, milk. The temperature of the liquid should be such that it does not burn, but warms. Drinking plenty of water is one of the conditions for recovery. You can drink tea with lemon, cranberry juice, compotes, diluted chamomile decoction.

Rinsing with antiseptic solutions helps to eliminate local symptoms:

• warm soda solution;
• furatsilin;
• decoction of chamomile, calendula.

For the treatment of rhinitis, vasoconstrictor drugs can be used only after consulting a doctor. If the dosage is exceeded, they are able to have a systemic effect and increase pressure. You can use saline solutions for washing the nose and instillation - "Aquamaris", physiological saline.

To reduce the temperature, only Paracetamol is used. Other antipyretic drugs during pregnancy are strictly contraindicated.

It also depends on the gestational age which drugs can be taken. Up to 12 weeks, most drugs are prohibited. This also applies to the antiviral Arpetol. It is used only from the 2nd trimester of pregnancy.

2nd and 3rd trimester - the period when interferons can be used for treatment. They are prescribed in the form of rectal suppositories for 10 days.

It is not necessary to take to treat a viral infection. They are used only in the development of bacterial complications:

• pneumonia;
• sinusitis;
• otitis;
• myocarditis;
• encephalitis.

The choice of the drug is in the competence of the doctor. It takes into account the possible type of microorganism and its sensitivity to the antibiotic, as well as the safety of the drug for the fetus. Most often it is a group of Penicillins, Cephalosporins. The form of administration and dosage depend on the pathology and severity.

Infection at 37 weeks of gestation is not an indication for early delivery. It is necessary that the acute period of the disease has passed, the fetus has ripened. If complications have not joined, then the woman can stay at home until contractions appear.

Influenza detected before childbirth is an indication for hospitalization in the observational department. The disease is not a contraindication for breastfeeding. It is only necessary to wash your hands thoroughly, wear a mask to prevent infection of the child.

How to protect yourself from the flu?

Flu prevention during pregnancy includes walking fresh air, regular wet cleaning and ventilation of the apartment. In the season of the natural rise in the incidence of SARS, you should avoid visiting crowded places, travel less in public transport. You can apply Oxolinic ointment to the nasal mucosa before leaving the house. It does not allow viruses to attach to the mucosal epithelium. Helps washing hands, face and washing the nose after the street. If you have to be in crowded places, then you do not need to touch your nose with your hands, rub your eyes. Also, do not forget about a balanced diet and sufficient fluid intake.

Regarding anti-influenza vaccination, the opinions of doctors are divided. The decision to administer the vaccine and the choice of vaccine should be made by the doctor, based on the desire of the pregnant woman, general health, the presence of an allergic reaction, etc.

According to statistics, each of us suffers from colds for at least 6 years in his life. From your own experience, each of you is well acquainted with the influenza virus. According to statisticians, SARS and influenza are the most common diseases in the world. During the epidemic season, more than 40% of children and adults spend in bed.

We are so accustomed to these diseases that we stop taking them seriously, only disturbing news reports make us think about the seriousness of these diseases. Such carelessness can have a sad effect on health, especially when it comes to the expectant mother and her baby.

The main thing to remember is that the flu doesn't happen by itself, you can't get it if you just get your feet wet. The flu is a virus and spreads through the air. Therefore, the source of infection is a sick person.

A person who once had the flu can get sick with it again and again, since he does not develop stable immunity. Unlike others infectious diseases The influenza virus is constantly undergoing genetic changes. As a result, new pathogens appear. Therefore, the most dangerous influenza A virus, it is he who causes seasonal epidemics and global pandemics. Influenza B virus is characterized by much less variability, while influenza C does not have it at all.

The third trimester of pregnancy is more likely to be infected future mother increases sharply, it is during this period that her body is most susceptible to any infections. Moreover, in many cases, the disease is very difficult and is accompanied by serious complications. Immune function is disrupted and endocrine systems recurrence of chronic diseases. The incubation period runs from several hours to several days.

The classic flu, as a rule, begins with fever, headache and muscle pain, chills, lethargy, and drowsiness. High temperature, and it can reach up to 40 C, for three to four days, then it slowly decreases, the fever period usually lasts for 4-5 days.

Intoxication

The clinical picture of the flu develops quite quickly: first, redness and dryness of the mucous membrane of the throat, nasal congestion appear. When the temperature rises, a headache begins, and it can be quite severe. Muscle aches, abdominal pain, nausea, sometimes even vomiting, sleep is disturbed. The appearance of the sick person is also quite characteristic: pallor, but redness of the skin in the cheek area, a bluish tint of the nasolabial triangle and lips. After 2-3 days, intoxication decreases slightly, and abundant mucous discharge from the nose and cough appear.
Influenza, penetrating the body through the respiratory tract, settles on the surface of the nasopharynx, and there begins the process of its reproduction and release of toxins. Then the toxins are distributed throughout the body through the bloodstream. With maternal blood, influenza penetrates into the placenta, and then into the circulatory system of the fetus. The duration of pregnancy depends on how negatively the influenza virus can affect the course of pregnancy and the health of the unborn baby. In the first trimester, the consequences can be especially severe. After all, the first 12 weeks go by the formation of the internal organs of the baby. Influenza can cause not only the appearance of serious malformations, but even the death of the fetus.
In the second and third trimesters, the flu virus is no longer so dangerous for the mother and the unborn baby. But it can still lead to various disorders in the baby: fetal hypoxia, a decrease in its immunity, respiratory pathologies, and also create a threat of abortion. The virus also disrupts placental circulation. If this was not detected and eliminated in a timely manner, then later there may be a risk of oligohydramnios, as well as a syndrome of fetal growth retardation.

Fight strategy

Remember, diagnosing the flu is not difficult, the main thing is to start treatment at the first symptoms! First of all, this is bed rest, especially the first two days. Airing the room, and of course wet cleaning. Special attention should be paid to nutrition during the onset of the disease. Food should be easy to digest and at the same time rich in nutrients. All these requirements are met by dairy products. If there are no edema, then try to increase the intake of natural juices, tea with lemon, fruit drinks, compotes.
But whether you drink medications should be decided by your doctor, to whom you should immediately contact. After all, any drug has contraindications and side effects. Therefore, only a doctor can decide which medicines are right for you and will not harm your baby.

Prevention

The main thing during pregnancy is, of course, not to forget about prevention. After all, it is easier to prevent a disease than to fight it later. Prevention is not so difficult: if your pregnancy coincided with the cold season, then try to avoid traveling on public transport as much as possible, and lubricate your nose every time you leave the house oxolinic ointment. If one of the family members falls ill, then he must be isolated in a separate room and provided with his own set of dishes. And all family members wear gauze bandages. But remember, the gauze bandage should be changed every two hours.

Influenza refers to diseases of an acute nature, which is transmitted by airborne droplets. Anyone can get a cold. Therefore, expectant mothers need to know how to overcome the flu during pregnancy.

Influenza during pregnancy is no different from other manifestations. The main symptoms include the following.

• Raising the temperature to thirty-nine degrees.
• Sore throat.
• Pain in the throat and discomfort when swallowing.
• Nasal congestion.
• Copious secretion of mucus.
• Cough.
• Pain in the head and aches in the body.

First, the patient develops sweating, which indicates that the temperature is dropping. Then this state is replaced by chills. This already suggests that the temperature jumps sharply to high values.

As soon as the expectant mother showed the first signs of the disease, you need to see a doctor or call an ambulance. Do not self-medicate during the gestation period, as this can lead to adverse consequences.

Complications of influenza during pregnancy

It is not recommended to get sick during pregnancy, because the disease can adversely affect the development of the fetus. But if the expectant mother has been infected, then everything possible must be done so that complications do not arise. But why is the flu dangerous during the gestation period?

It is customary to refer to the main consequences.

1. The threat of miscarriage or premature birth.
2. Negative effect on the cardiovascular system.
3. The occurrence of pneumonia, bronchitis, otitis media, sinusitis or meningitis.
4. Exacerbation of chronic diseases in the form of gastritis or asthma.
5. Violation of metabolic processes.

Flu in the first trimester

The most dangerous is the flu in early pregnancy. Up to twelve weeks future baby not yet protected by the placenta. The corpus luteum is responsible for its work. Also at this time, the laying of all organs in the fetus occurs. Influenza in the first trimester of pregnancy can lead to the development of various malformations, which are often incompatible with life.

There is an opinion that the disease affects nervous system resulting in an effect on nerve cells. But you should also be aware that the body of the expectant mother produces antibodies, thanks to which it can protect the baby from the virus.

The biggest danger is the consequence in the form of intrauterine death of the fetus. Often, it is in the first three months of pregnancy that a missed pregnancy is diagnosed.

In the first trimester, it is also forbidden to take any medications.. After all, they can adversely affect the development of the fetus. Therefore, when the first signs appear, you should consult a doctor and follow several measures.

• Bed rest.
• Drinking large amounts of liquid.
• Taking antipyretics should begin when the temperature on the thermometer exceeds thirty-eight degrees. These drugs include Paracetamol and Ibuprofen.

Flu in second trimester

During the period of bearing a baby, the work of the immune function is greatly reduced. All this is due to changes in hormonal background. But by the second trimester, the body returns to normal, and the fetus is less threatened due to the formed placenta.

But flu during pregnancy in the second trimester can also cause irreparable harm. The disease can lead to fetal hypoxia, affect the placenta, or develop oligohydramnios.

In the second trimester, it is no longer so scary to take medicines, but only the attending physician should prescribe them. It is also recommended that a pregnant woman take various decoctions of herbs and fruit drinks from berries. Do not forget about frequent ventilation of the room and humidification of the air. Such methods will help the expectant mother to better endure the disease. Bed rest should be observed, more rest and sleep.

It is believed that the flu in pregnant women can affect the process of childbirth. After the illness, the likelihood of large blood loss and weakening of labor activity increases.

flu in the third trimester

Influenza in the third trimester of pregnancy is considered not so dangerous. Even if a pregnant woman is ill with the flu, then she can safely prescribe various medications. Often, to avoid complications, specialists prescribe antibiotics based on penicillin.

But there is still a risk of complications. First of all, this includes the development of oxygen deficiency in the fetus, premature aging placenta or early birth. But a woman and a baby can be protected from such consequences. It is enough to consult a doctor in a timely manner and follow all his recommendations.

Diagnosis of influenza during pregnancy

In order to carry out the correct treatment of influenza during pregnancy, it is necessary to make an appropriate diagnosis. Based on the patient's complaints, he prescribes an examination. It includes donating blood for analysis. For this, the method of fluorescent antibodies is used to detect the influenza virus in the blood.

If the disease was transferred in the early stages of pregnancy, then the expectant mother is given a triple test for a period of sixteen to twenty weeks. It includes an analysis for alpha-fetoprotein, hCG, the presence of estriol. These analyzes make it possible to detect various malformations in the development of the fetus.

It is worth remembering that the results of the analyzes are indicative. If a pathological process is detected, then the doctor prescribes a series of studies and consultation with a geneticist.

Further investigation includes an amniocentesis. This method consists in taking amniotic fluid and examining them for the presence of pathologies in the baby. The procedure is painless and fast. After that, ultrasound diagnostics is carried out. But this method can lead to miscarriage or premature birth.

If the disease has made itself felt in the second and third trimester, then the pregnant woman is prescribed an ultrasound diagnosis and dopplerography to study blood flow in the vessels of the fetus and placenta. Also, cardiography is performed to examine the baby's cardiac activity.

Flu treatment during pregnancy

Any woman is interested in the question of how to treat the flu during pregnancy, because taking medication during this period is not recommended. Only the doctor will tell you what to do and how to treat. So don't hesitate to visit.

Treatment of influenza in pregnant women is to follow several recommendations.

1. Compliance with the drinking regime. During illness, it is recommended to drink at least two liters of fluid. This includes infusions of medicinal herbs, fruit drinks, tea with lemon or plain warm water. The liquid does not allow the body to dehydrate and removes viruses through the urinary system.
2. Rinsing. If the patient has a sore throat or a sore throat, it is necessary to rinse with sea salt water. The procedure should be done as often as possible and at least six times a day.
3. Washing of the nasal passages. With nasal congestion, pregnant women are strictly forbidden to use vasoconstrictors. To facilitate breathing, moisten the mucous membrane and remove excess mucus, rinsing from infusions of herbs, furacilin or sea salt will help. The procedure should be performed five to six times a day.
4. Balanced diet. During the period of illness, many patients refuse to eat. But to restore strength, you need to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Also, pregnant women can drink milk with honey.
5. The use of inhalations. To overcome a runny nose and cough will help inhalation with the addition of essential oils, herbs or soda with iodine. The procedure for pregnant women should be carried out two to three times a day.
6. Carrying out wet cleaning with the use of disinfectants and airing the room.

How to treat the flu with medicines? During the gestation period, the use of medications is prohibited. These drugs include vasoconstrictor drops, antitussive and expectorant drugs, aspirin. Also, you can not take antigrippin during pregnancy, coldrex or fervex. In their composition, they contain components that can adversely affect blood clotting, and they also easily penetrate the placental barrier. If the patient has an increase in body temperature, then only Paracetamol or Ibuprofen can be used as an antipyretic and analgesic.

You can take some antivirals. For pregnant women with influenza, Anaferon, Ergoferon, Grippferon, Viferon or Interferon can be excellent helpers. The composition of all drugs contains a component that increases the production of natural interferon. They are allowed to be used during the gestation period, as they do not have side effects and contraindications.

Anaferon and Ergoferon are available in the form of tablets. When the first signs of a cold appear in the first two hours, five tablets should be taken. After that, the medicine is drunk three times a day.

Grippferon and Interferon are considered local drugs and are instilled directly into the nasal passages. With the use of these funds, improvement already occurs within a day.

Viferon is available in the form of candles. They help to reduce the temperature and overcome the first symptoms of the flu. You need to use them two or three times a day.
During pregnancy, treatment is carried out at home under the supervision of a physician.

Hospitalization is carried out if a severe form of the disease is observed in the form of:

• development of pneumonia, bronchitis;
• exacerbations of chronic diseases;
• lack of quality home care.

Preventive measures to prevent the occurrence of influenza during pregnancy

During the gestation period, the immune function is greatly weakened. In order not to get infected, you need to follow a few rules.

1. Strengthen immunity by taking vitamin complexes, charging and hardening.
2. The use of Grippferon or Interferon drops as prophylactic agents.
3. The absence of stressful situations.
4. Taking walks outdoors.
5. Airing the room and humidifying the air.
6. Avoiding contact with sick people.
7. Laying out in the house chopped cloves of garlic or onion.
8. Lubrication of the nasal passages with oxolinic ointment.
9. Avoidance of hypothermia. It is worth dressing for the weather so that it is not hot or very cold. Also, do not walk in rainy weather or in strong winds.

As a preventive measure, you can take a ginger drink or tea with lemon. It is strictly forbidden for a pregnant woman to conduct hot foot baths. It is enough to put on a warm scarf around your neck, and warm socks with dry mustard on your feet.

If you experience symptoms of the flu or a cold, you should ensure bed rest and call a doctor.

Winter is considered to be the season colds among which the flu is perhaps the most insidious. How dangerous is it for the expectant mother?

Influenza is an acute, highly contagious disease transmitted by airborne droplets and caused by viruses types A, B and C. Influenza is characterized by fever, symptoms of intoxication and inflammation of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract.

Influenza viruses are characterized by genetic lability - the constant and progressive variability of their structure (that is, the structure of the genes contained in influenza viruses changes), which explains the emergence of new varieties to which the population has no immunity.

Influenza type A virus is the most variable. Type B virus is characterized by less variability. No antigenic variability was found in type C virus.

If the flu was transferred in the second half of pregnancy, then to clarify the condition of the fetus, it is also necessary to carry out ultrasonography, dopplerography - a study of blood flow in the vessels of the fetus, placenta, cardiotocography - a study of the cardiac activity of the fetus.

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In this paper, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the topic: "Causes, treatment, prevention and consequences of influenza during pregnancy at different times."

Of course, expectant mothers resort to various methods of preventing diseases. But this is not always enough. For such a long waiting period for the baby, there is a high probability of getting sick with something. Do not panic if you have a little sore throat and a runny nose, a common cold will not harm the unborn baby. Much more serious is to catch a serious infection. After reading the article to the end, you will learn:

• flu symptoms;
• danger to the child;
• how to be treated;
• how to avoid disease and much more.

Flu

In order to understand the consequences of the flu, you need to know what kind of disease it is. We will deal with this issue in this section.

Some mistakenly call acute illnesses (ARVI) the term "flu", this is wrong. The latter carries a more severe form, the disease is caused by influenza viruses. In fact, they are very a large number of(more than two thousand). A large number of people die from them every year, sometimes the figure reaches a million. In most cases, these are people 65 and older.

The flu can spread in two forms:

• epidemic;
• pandemic.

Influenza should not be confused with other viral infections known to this moment more than two hundred, they carry diseases like influenza. Among them, the following viruses are most common:

• andenoviruses;
• rhinoviruses;
• respiratory syncytial and so on.

In the United States, there is a special center for disease control, which offers vaccination during epidemics to those who are at risk. It is also recommended to vaccinate all citizens and children (over 6 months old). The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends taking antiviral drugs, avoiding contact with sick people, and using personal protective equipment.

Harm and consequences for the mother

The consequences of influenza during pregnancy for both mother and baby can be different. Now we will analyze the effect of the virus on the mother and fetus. The consequences for the baby largely depend on the gestational age, so we will further consider separately by trimester.

What are the biological properties of influenza? These include the following features:

• mucosal damage;
• lining of the airways;
• toxicity.

These features are caused by the pathogenic effect of the flu. The virus enters the body through the respiratory tract, begins to secrete poisons that spread throughout the body with the blood. They penetrate the placenta, are brought into the circulatory system of the baby.

Another feature of influenza is the constant change, which is the reason for the lack of antigen in people. There are three types of viruses:

• A - differs in variability;
• B - less changeable;
• C - no changes detected.

You need to be most careful before childbirth and in the last months of pregnancy, because it is at this time that a woman's body is more susceptible to viral infections. During infection, the functions are violated:

• endocrine system;
• immune system.

All this leads to an exacerbation of chronic diseases during and after pregnancy.

1st trimester

Now we will look at the flu in early pregnancy. Consequences, danger and other issues will be provided in this part. It is important for mom to understand that the more she worries and is nervous, the higher the chances of getting infected. Even if you have been ill, it will not necessarily affect the child. Medicine does not stand still, even with the flu they save both mother and baby.

The consequences of influenza in the first trimester are the most severe. What happens to the unborn baby in the period up to 12 weeks? Now there are very important processes:

• the nervous system is formed;
• laid internal organs.

It is imperative to deal with a high temperature (how to do this - the doctor will tell you), if this is not done, then the baby will be infected, and this will lead to the development of the following consequences:

• encephalopathy;
• convulsions;
• cerebral paralysis;
• death.

Also, when infected, damage to the placenta is possible, medicine is able to cope with this. Despite this, the following consequences are possible:

• premature birth (despite this, the child is born viable);
• developmental delay (intrauterine);
• oligohydramnios.

The last 2 points affect the weight of the child at birth (there is a chance to give birth to a baby with insufficient body weight).

2nd trimester

Now we will analyze the question of what are the consequences after the flu in the second trimester of pregnancy.

There is an opinion that the flu can harm the baby only during the first trimester, but this is not so. There is a chance of infection of the fetus, but it is already much lower. Why less dangerous? The thing is that it is much more difficult for the virus to overcome the obstacle (the placenta), but there is still a chance of penetration. If left untreated or done incorrectly, the consequences can be the most terrible, up to termination of pregnancy. A damaged placenta in the second trimester can lead to the following consequences:

• growth retardation;
• oligohydramnios.

In the last paragraph, it was already said that this can cause the birth of a baby with a small body weight.

3rd trimester

From this part of the article, you can find out what are the consequences of influenza during pregnancy in the third trimester. In the preface, it was said that in the last months of pregnancy, a woman's body is most sensitive to viruses, during this period it is necessary to be extremely careful. Also, in the third trimester, do not be lazy, do flu prevention (you can find out what this means below).

The consequences of the flu can be:

• premature birth;
• exacerbation of chronic diseases of the mother;
• a general decrease in immunity to infections and so on.

It is also important to know that "swine flu" is most dangerous in the third trimester. It spreads very quickly in the body of the expectant mother and can cause the death of the child. To prevent this, it is necessary to start treatment immediately after the first signs appear. They may be:

• heat;
• cough;
• headache;
• vomit;
• diarrhea.

Be sure to call your doctor to prescribe treatment.

Consequences

At this point, we propose to summarize everything that has been said earlier. The consequences of influenza for both mother and child can be very diverse. At the first symptoms, you should consult a doctor for treatment. For mom, the effects of the flu can be as follows:

• decreased immunity;
• premature birth;
• exacerbation of chronic diseases and so on.

For the child, the consequences (depending on the term) are as follows:

• encephalopathy;
• convulsions;
• cerebral paralysis;
• death;
• growth retardation;
• disorders of the cardiovascular system;
• general decrease in resistance to infections and so on.

Diagnostics

Influenza during pregnancy carries terrible consequences, it is necessary to start treatment on time to prevent complications, save the life of the baby.

Why is this disease dangerous? It does not carry any specific phenomena. Influenza manifests itself in the same way as SARS, only after the first one complications are possible.

Influenza is diagnosed by:

• inspection;
• survey;
• laboratory research.

What can be seen on inspection? Here are some features:

• blush on cheeks;
• shine of the mucous membrane of the eyes;
• the tongue has a white coating and so on.

When interviewing a pregnant woman, the doctor needs to clarify whether she had contact with sick people, whether she was in places of an outbreak of infection. This information is important for making a diagnosis.

Treatment

What are the consequences of the flu, you learned, now let's talk a little about how you can cure the disease without resorting to antibiotics that harm the child and are strictly prohibited for pregnant women.

Important to know: do not go to the hospital with a fever and feel unwell, call the doctor home. Do not take any medication yourself.

Ventilate the room once an hour, wet cleaning of the room is mandatory, the dishes after washing must be poured with boiling water. If the temperature is high, then you can take a Paracetamol tablet. Antipyretics can be used 4 times a day (break for 6 hours), do not abuse them. The throat can be gargled with either Furacilin or baking soda.

Hospitalization for influenza without complications is not required. A woman needs to be hospitalized if:

• complications appeared during the course of the disease;
• exacerbated chronic diseases;
• there is no way to provide the necessary regimen at home.

Prevention

Influenza in a pregnant woman, the consequences of which we discussed above, can be prevented. To do this, you need to follow some basic recommendations.

The first thing to remember is the restriction of exits to crowded places. Avoid crowded places especially during the cold time of the day. When going outside, it is necessary to treat the nasal mucosa with oxolin ointment.

Reduces the likelihood of infection taking a complex of vitamins for pregnant women. Discuss this issue with your doctor, he will tell you which one should be preferred.

If someone from the household "caught" the flu, then try to limit contacts, follow the rules of personal hygiene. Do not eat from the same dishes, wash your hands more often, put on a gauze bandage that should be changed every 2 hours.

Examination of pregnant women during illness

For an accurate diagnosis, you need to see a doctor. He, in turn, is obliged to interrogate you, examine and issue directions to necessary tests. There are the following laboratory methods for detecting influenza viruses:

• express strips;
• PCR is the most popular and accurate method (pharyngeal swab);
• ELISA (detection using the mucous membrane of the eyes);
• RTGA;
• virological method.

Which one you will be prescribed is the decision of the attending physician. In any case, you should not self-medicate, so as not to harm yourself and the child.