SARS in pregnant women
While waiting for the baby, the body of the expectant mother becomes especially vulnerable. We learn from experts what is dangerous about SARS in pregnant women and how to avoid possible complications

During pregnancy, many women get SARS, sometimes more than once. The woman’s immunity is reduced so that the body does not attack the foreign genes of the embryo, since they are different from the mother’s. Therefore, the likelihood of the disease increases.

SARS can cause complications in anyone. But for a pregnant woman, the disease is especially dangerous, because it can also affect the fetus. It depends on the trimester – from a certain point the embryo is sufficiently protected by the placenta, but at the beginning of pregnancy the fetus is extremely vulnerable.

In the 1st trimester, all the main systems of the child are laid. The placenta has not yet formed, and the embryo can be attacked by viruses, bacteria, and toxins. Such an attack is very detrimental to the embryo, since it consists of literally several thousand cells – the loss of even a few of them is much more serious for a baby than for an adult. Because of this, early SARS can lead to serious malformations of the child, or even miscarriage.

By the 2nd trimester, the placenta already protects the embryo from external influences. At the same time, the formation of the nervous system is still ongoing, and the infection can affect the brain of the embryo. Also, in the 2nd and 3rd trimester, there may be a threat of abortion, exacerbation of chronic diseases, which will further reduce resistance to viruses and bacteria. ARVI at this time can lead to a lag in the development of the embryo, oxygen starvation of the fetus.

By the end of the pregnancy, a sudden SARS will complicate the birth itself – the mother will not have enough oxygen and strength, which increases the risk of complications in the child. Lack of air also leads to hypoxia in the baby.

What is SARS

ARVI stands for acute respiratory disease. From the name it follows that the disease begins abruptly and affects the respiratory (respiratory) system: the nasopharynx, respiratory tract, lungs, etc.

The causative agents of infection are viruses. In total, several hundred possible pathogens of SARS have been studied. They are introduced through the mucous membrane and after a short time cause fever, intoxication, cough and runny nose. As a complication, the body can attack its own flora, and then a bacterial infection also joins.

Sometimes ARVI occurs in a very mild form, but it can also be severe: the sinuses of the nose and the inner ear become inflamed.

Symptoms of SARS in pregnant women

During pregnancy, immunity is suppressed by the body itself so that there is no rejection of the foreign DNA of the child. At the same time, the body’s defense against all external pathogens and its own flora, which is not dangerous in normal times, also decreases.

Thus, a pregnant woman is more susceptible to SARS than a woman in her normal state. In this case, it is even more difficult to choose a treatment, because not all drugs can be used. Some of them can harm the baby, and then you have to make a choice which is safer: a serious illness of the mother and complications, or a dose of toxins from medicines.

Causes of SARS in pregnant women

ARVI begins reactively, a few hours after infection, symptoms may already appear. The temperature jumps sharply, aches in the joints and muscles begin, chills, headache, pain in the eyes, runny nose and dry cough are possible. During illness, appetite disappears, weakness develops.

Symptoms vary depending on the type of virus. For example, with the flu, the temperature can rise to 40 ° C, which is very dangerous. Other infections cause a not so high fever, but a strong, irritating cough. The type of infection is determined by the doctor after examination and tests.

Treatment of SARS in pregnant women

Treatment is symptomatic, as in all other people with SARS. But the choice of drugs should be taken more seriously, and be sure to warn the doctor about pregnancy.

In addition to medicines, it is necessary to reduce the intoxication of the body. To do this, they use a lot of liquid, removing decay products with the help of the kidneys and through sweating. It is better not to bring down a low temperature – this is how the body fights infection, and up to 38 – 38,5 ° C should be tolerated.

When the temperature rises, you need to open up, undress, even if you are tormented by chills. Warm clothes delay the release of heat to the environment, and this hastens the rise of fever. Can be washed with water.

Diagnostics

For diagnosis, it is imperative to call a therapist at home. The doctor will examine the woman, feel the lymph nodes – they may increase.

Analyzes are prescribed for a better understanding of the picture of the disease. Usually, a general blood and urine test is sufficient, markers of inflammation look in them: the number of leukocytes increases.

If a lung injury is suspected, which is detected when listening with a stethoscope, an x-ray is prescribed. This is not very useful for the child, but without a picture it is almost impossible to establish pneumonia or bronchitis to protect the baby, they put on a special apron.

Modern treatments

ARVI often requires drug therapy. With the addition of a bacterial infection, antibiotics cannot be dispensed with. All drugs are selected by the doctor, taking into account the pregnancy of the woman and the trimester – in the later stages, much that was forbidden at first is already quite acceptable.

From cough expectorants, inhalations are used. Local antiseptics and gargles are very effective, and at the same time they will definitely not harm the fetus, since they are practically not absorbed into the bloodstream and do not penetrate the placenta.

Prevention of SARS in pregnant women at home

Since pregnant women cannot be vaccinated, it will no longer be possible to count on protection through vaccination. Therefore, all vaccinations should be carried out before pregnancy.

To maintain immunity, the expectant mother needs to sleep enough, eat a variety of foods, not be nervous, walk in the fresh air. In the season of colds, you should not visit crowded places without special reasons, so as not to get infected. If the risk is high, you can wear a protective medical mask. It is important not to forget to drink the necessary vitamins and means for the prevention of acute respiratory viral infections, but you can use any drugs only on the advice of a doctor.

The best drugs for the prevention and treatment of SARS in pregnant women

It is extremely unpleasant to catch a virus while pregnant. Not only does the state of health worsen, it is also impossible to be treated with anything. Almost.

Pregnancy is a contraindication for the use of most drugs. However, there are several pharmaceuticals that can significantly alleviate the situation of a future mother slain by a virus, as well as become a means of timely prevention.

” Healthy Food Near Me” has compiled its own list of drugs that you can rely on. However, we remind you: do not self-medicate! For all questions related to your health, you should consult your doctor.

1. “Korilip”

Metabolic agent, innovative development of the SCCH RAMS. Ingredients: vitamin B2, lipoic acid and cocarboxylase hydrochloride. Nothing that can harm the pregnant woman and the fetus. One package of rectal suppositories is designed for a 10-day course. By the way, Korilip is suitable not only for all adults, including pregnant women, but also for children from 1 year old. And if the family has a baby, then for him you can buy suppositories of a different configuration – “Corilip NEO”.

Due to the unique composition, the drug mobilizes the body’s own forces, forcing it to more actively fight the virus. The tool, as indicated on the official website, contributes to an adequate course of pregnancy and reduces the risk of complications.

2. “Genferon”

This drug can help if the patient is already ill. Acute bronchitis is one of the reasons for the appointment. The instructions indicate that the active substances have antiviral, immunomodulatory, antiproliferative and antibacterial effects. Therefore, these candles are also prescribed for the treatment of urogenital diseases.

Attention! The safety of the drug in the first trimester of pregnancy has not been studied, so it is undesirable to use the drug during this period.

3. “Grippferon”

Spray or nasal drops, which, according to the instructions, are used to treat SARS and influenza. And taking into account the minimum contraindications, the lack of information about overdose and various side effects, it can be used throughout pregnancy and later, during lactation. Unless, of course, the composition of the spray does not cause you individual intolerance. Remember: you need to store Grippferon in the refrigerator. Moreover, even under such conditions, the opened vial should not be used after 30 days.

4. “Nazivin”

Drops that can be applied while in position. But you need to know that in the first trimester the drug is not recommended for use, as it can provoke an increase in uterine tone. The use of the drug in the second and third trimesters – only after consulting a doctor.

The manufacturer claims that the drops will help after a few seconds, and the action will last up to 12 hours. That’s just one bottle is not suitable for the whole family. Therefore, if you like the drops, and you want to treat them with a runny nose in children, you will have to purchase another, children’s, Nazivin for them.

5. “Lizobakt”

Pills to help with a sore throat. The drug compensates for the deficiency of lysozyme (an enzyme that protects against infection) in the oral cavity, according to the official website. Thus, local immunity is restored. This is one of the few drugs that can be safely used by both pregnant and lactating women, as well as children from 3 years old (who know how to dissolve tablets). By the way, “Lizobakt” will help not only with SARS, but also with other diseases (for example, stomatitis). In the home first aid kit, obviously it will not be superfluous.

Popular questions and answers

Is it possible to treat SARS in pregnant women with folk remedies?

The first thing to do if symptoms appear is to consult a therapist. And there is absolutely no need to go to the hospital or a consultation – it is better to call a doctor at home, they will definitely come to pregnant women, even if there is no temperature. The doctor will see if there are any complications, if it is a banal ARVI, which proceeds quite easily, treatment will be prescribed. Including – folk remedies: honey, jam, lemon, and plenty of drink. With such diseases, a woman, as a rule, actively sweats, there is a loss of moisture and it must be replenished.

Of the “grandmother’s funds”, any thermal procedures are categorically not shown to pregnant women: warm the legs, breathe potatoes, use mustard plasters or jars. This can lead to bad consequences.

Not recommended for ginger. Not to say that it is unambiguously harmful, but the excitement that has been created around the ginger root against the backdrop of epidemics is completely redundant.

What are the possible complications of SARS in pregnant women?

Complications can be the same as in non-pregnant women – upper respiratory tract infections, pneumonia, bronchitis. Complications for the fetus are also possible – but this is very rare, since the placenta, which forms after 16 weeks, reliably protects the child.

In the later stages, women are especially tormented by a stuffy nose – a voluminous uterus is already squeezing the lungs, and it becomes very difficult to breathe. The woman begins to suffer from hypoxia. But even in this case, the child will not be particularly harmed – the baby’s hemoglobin has a slightly different structure and is able to pick up more oxygen molecules than an adult organism.

Do antibiotics and antivirals harm the fetus?

There is a complex of antiviral drugs that are allowed to be taken during pregnancy. But only a doctor can prescribe them, and it is very important that this appointment occurs at the earliest stages – after a week of the development of the disease, many of these drugs are simply useless.

But rinsing the nose and throat, the use of sprays with various antiseptics during pregnancy are completely allowed. The drug will not harm the fetus, because it simply will not go to him – the placenta will not pass. The impact will be exclusively local, on the mucous membrane of the mother’s throat.

It is not uncommon for ARVI to drag on, switch to bronchitis or pneumonia, the doctor prescribes antibiotics, and patients do not take them because they are afraid to harm the child. This is completely wrong! Among antibiotics, there are quite a few that are allowed during pregnancy. We freely prescribe them after 12-16 weeks, if there are medical indications for this, if there are complications. They do not cause any harm to the fetus, and they treat the mother. The worst thing a pregnant woman can think of is to self-medicate.

If the doctor has prescribed antibiotics or an antiviral drug for you, you must take it, and exactly in accordance with the dosage and regimen. No one will prescribe dangerous drugs and harm the fetus. The harm from the mother’s illness will be much greater for the child than some negative, far-fetched, consequences of taking medication.

an acceptable period of use must be indicated.

Is it possible to use vasoconstrictor drops for nasal congestion during pregnancy?

Long-term use of such funds is generally not recommended to anyone. If a doctor, therapist or ENT has prescribed its use, then of course it is possible, but only for a limited time. The appointment will necessarily indicate an acceptable period of use.

Leave a Reply