Getting sick is a natural thing that happens to anybody and everyone, at any time. But, it gets kind of tricky when a mama gets sick while pregnant. Since your body is working double time in order to maintain your health and safety as well as that of your unborn baby, pregnancy then becomes an extra challenging process when you start getting pregnancy colds.
Contrary to popular belief, your immune system doesn't simply divert resources to the unborn child. You are more prone to infection since your immune system is suppressed. According to research, the immune system overflows the womb's lining during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, creating inflammation. The following 15 weeks are equally crucial because this is the time when your immune system is suppressed by the body to make room for the fetus' growth and development. You are exposed to many illnesses while your bundle of joy is being protected.
No matter how many measures you take, you can still run across a few obstacles along the way, like morning sickness and other aches and pains brought about by pregnancy. Knowing how to stay healthy, being aware of pregnancy flu symptoms and pregnancy flu treatment options, while pregnant is essential since becoming sick is the last thing you want to happen. So, read on to find out more about what to expect when you get sick during your pregnancy, and some remedies and tips that you might find useful if you do end up getting sick.
Is It A Cold or The Flu?
Whether you’re a first time mama or a mama who’s experienced pregnancy before, getting sick is a natural and normal thing and typically, it’s not something you that causes you to panic. But, it’s also worth noting the difference between pregnancy colds and pregnancy flu as pregnancy flu medicine can sometimes vary from the common cold medication. You might also need to get a preganancy flu vaccine after your pregnancy flu symptoms are examined by your doctor.
Many symptoms, including a cough and runny nose, are similar between the flu and the common cold. However, a few distinctions can help you distinguish between them. You most likely have a cold if your symptoms are normally not too severe. Additionally, the flu is more likely to cause chills and weariness.
Symptoms to Watch Out For
The pregnancy flu symptoms are much like pregnancy colds since the flu is caused by the same virus in both pregnant and non-pregnant people. Your nose, throat, and lungs are all infected by the flu virus, which leads to cold-like respiratory symptoms. By touching something that has the flu virus on it or by inhaling the virus through the air, you can contract the flu.
The most common symptoms to watch out for include the following:
- Chills
- Dry cough
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Moderate to high fever that suddenly happens
- Muscle ache or muscle soreness
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
Throughout your pregnancy, you could feel or experience frequent sickness. For instance, nausea and vomiting happen quite often throughout the pregnancy period. In addition to this, you might also feel tired and have headaches, especially if you had a vaccination and feel the pregnancy flu vaccine side effects. These are normal and typically don’t need to be addressed by serious or heavy pregnancy flu treatment.
On the other hand, signs like hazy vision, chest pain or breathing problems, recurrent headaches, and unusual swelling need to be taken seriously. You should seek immediate medical advice from your OBGYN so they can identify the problem, see if you need pregnancy flu medicine, or suggest another course of action.
What to Do
There are many different ways to stay healthy while pregnant and avoid getting pregnancy colds. This ranges from being more cautious when choosing your food, meds, and supplements because this is a crucial period for you, getting more exercise, and such. However, do bear in mind that the best way to avoid getting sick or the best way to handle pregnancy flu symptoms is by consulting your doctors so you get the correct advice and you can safely go about things without having to worry about any added risks.
But, if you don’t need urgent pregnancy flu treatment, then consider the following:
Always consult your prenatal care provider before making decisions
It’s natural to have several concerns regarding the safety and health of you and your little one throughout your pregnancy. While the advice you receive from family, friends, and the internet may be well-intended and based on their own experience, you should always seek the advice of a medical professional for your colds, flus, and other ailments.
Ensure you have the proper vaccinations
Choosing to be vaccinated against the flu with the Tdap vaccine (Tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis) may be a wise choice because getting colds or the flu during pregnancy can be dangerous for you. Ask your doctor, preferably early on, if you have concerns about its safety. These vaccinations aid in the production of proteins or antibodies that act as defenses for your unborn kid, particularly against the potentially fatal whooping cough.
Mind what you eat
Although changing your diet is a significant adjustment and one habit that’s definitely not easy to take on, the quality of the meals you eat can help you stay healthy. So, you may want to start thinking about how to eat a balanced diet, and try staying away from anything bad for your wellbeing or the growth of your bundle of joy.
Each pregnancy is unique, especially since we all have different health statuses and dietary needs, and the foods you consume may influence the symptoms you are going through. Always seek the advice of a trained prenatal nutritionist who can assist you in addressing your particular problem.
Avoid eating anything that isn’t recommended
While pregnant, there are some things you can safely consume without having to worry (such as certain fruits or chips), while you should avoid others (such as sushi and other raw foods, and alcohol).
If weight loss is noticeable, your doctor could advise you to eat as much as you like, but it doesn't mean you can eat anything. Again, your symptoms and medical situation will determine what foods you can eat.
Take proper vitamins for you and your baby
Having the right or proper vitamin intake is crucial when trying to keep you and your baby healthy throughout the pregnancy period. That’s because vitamins improve your body's immune system and aid in the appropriate sustenance and development of your unborn child. If you aren't obtaining the necessary nutrients from your diet, taking the required supplements will make up for any potential shortages.
Medications to Avoid
Pregnancy colds and the flu are typically easy to manage, especially if you had the pregnancy flu vaccine or are taking the proper pregnancy flu medicine and know the right pregnancy flu treatment for your body. However, in particular during the final trimester, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) such aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) should be avoided.
Ibuprofen has the potential to harm your unborn child's heart or lungs during pregnancy, especially if taken frequently. But, contrary to popular belief, drugs for high blood pressure are not generally safe to use when used in accordance with your doctor's instructions. For advice on the safety of the medications you take, consult with your OBGYN first before taking anything.
Colds and the flu, which most frequently manifests as body aches, fever, and chills among other symptoms, can be dangerous for pregnant women and may even result in complications that necessitate hospitalization. For this reason, it’s crucial to know what medication, treatments, and vaccinations you may need to keep you and your unborn baby healthy. We hope this guide helped you learn more about how to safeguard yourself and your child, whether you've already contracted a cold or the flu or simply want to know what to watch out for and how to prevent it.
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