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Complications after influenza in pregnant women

Alexey Portnov, medical expert
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024

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Influenza in pregnant women is primarily dangerous due to its complications. It's more than just a runny nose and a sore throat. Complications after the flu in pregnant women can cause a serious risk of miscarriage of the fetus, as well as a threat to the life of the most pregnant. What should I pay special attention to in case of flu in pregnant women?

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Why is the flu so dangerous for pregnant women?

Many pregnant women sincerely believe that they have the flu, when in fact they have a cold. But if it's still a flu, it can lead to serious illnesses. And for pregnant women, it can be life-threatening. It is worth knowing that pregnant women are at high risk of serious health problems due to influenza.

Flu is easily transmitted from person to person. When a person with a flu coughs, sneezes or says the flu virus spreads through the air. You can get influenza if you are a meter away from the patient. You can also get infected if you touch an infected object (for example, a door handle or phone) on which the flu virus is hiding, and when you touch the nose, eyes or mouth then the virus enters the body.

The best way to protect yourself against the flu by pregnant women is to get a flu shot every year before the influenza season, which usually begins in October. Even if you are more likely to get influenza during the season (October to May), you can still be vaccinated at any time of the year. The exception is the first trimester of pregnancy, when the inoculation can not be done, as well as the sensitivity to the chicken protein that is in the vaccine and the acute condition, which are accompanied by a temperature.

Symptoms of influenza in pregnant women

Increased temperature
Chills
Cough
A sore throat
Runny nose or nasal congestion
Pain in the body, aches and pains
Headache
Extreme fatigue
Vomiting and diarrhea

Most people have these symptoms for several days. But in pregnant women, the symptoms of the flu can appear for a long time.

How does the flu harm pregnancy?

Complications after the flu, such as pneumonia, cardiovascular disease, bronchitis, tracheitis, hearing impairment, kidney problems, can be serious and even fatal, especially if you are pregnant. Pregnant women who have flu more often than other women may have premature births. It can happen up to 37 full weeks of pregnancy. Keep in mind that premature birth can lead to serious problems with your child's health.

Weakening the immune system during pregnancy

Influenza during pregnancy can be very dangerous, because pregnancy has a profound effect on the immune system. Your immune system is an opportunity to protect yourself from various diseases. When the body feels the invasion of a virus that can harm the health of a pregnant woman, the immune system is actively working to eliminate this virus.

When a woman is pregnant, her immune system does not respond as quickly to illness as it was before pregnancy. The organism of the pregnant woman knows that it is necessary first of all to protect the child. Thus, it naturally reduces the ability of the immune system, protect the mother and respond to illness. But this increases the risk of getting influenza and transferring its complications more likely.

Problems with the lungs due to the flu

Another cause of complications in pregnant women due to the flu may be that now the lungs of the future mother need more oxygen, especially in the second and third trimesters, and the baby needs it too. The growing belly of a pregnant woman puts pressure on the lungs, causing them to work more, but in a smaller space. A pregnant woman may have shortness of breath during flu . The heart is also working hard. It is engaged in supplying blood to mother and child.

This strain of all body systems during pregnancy can increase the risk of developing influenza in pregnant women and complications after it.

Rhinitis as a complication after the flu in pregnant women

Nasal congestion is very characteristic of pregnant women, since hormonal changes can lead to the accumulation of mucus in the nasal passages. With influenza, the symptoms of rhinitis in pregnant women are aggravated. These complications of flu during pregnancy can be dangerous, because pregnant women can not take most medications.

Most vasoconstrictive drugs that block rhinitis are not recommended for use during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester (up to 12 weeks). Pregnant women are advised to avoid decongestants to eliminate rhinitis, because there is no scientific evidence that they are safe during pregnancy.

How to treat influenza in pregnant women?

If you have flu symptoms, consult a doctor right away. He can recommend medicines that will help protect you and your unborn child from infection. It is important to start taking these medications immediately.

The Influenza Control and Prevention Center recommends two flu medications for pregnant women:

Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)
Zanamivir (Relenza)

In addition, if a pregnant woman has the flu, she needs a lot of rest and plenty of fluids. But there is need a little. Try to eat in small portions to help the body better cope with the disease.

How to stop the spread of influenza in pregnant women?

The spread of influenza can be prevented as follows.

Here's what you can do to help prevent a pregnant woman from becoming infected.

Stay home if you are sick.
Limit contact with other people.
Do not kiss.
Cough or sneeze in a handkerchief or napkin. And immediately throw away used napkins in the trash.
Try not to touch your eyes, nose and mouth.
Try to stay away from the source of infection no less than two meters away, because it is at this distance that the influenza virus spreads when coughing and sneezing.
Wash your hands with soap and water after touching contaminated surfaces or being outdoors. You can also use alcohol-based sprays or gels for washing hands (disinfectants are sold in pharmacies and stores).
Do not let the sick person use their plates, glasses or a toothbrush.

How to mitigate complications of influenza in pregnant women?

To reduce the risk of influenza in pregnant women, you need to use vitaminized drinks. It is desirable to warm and in large quantities (if there is no edema). It can be teas with lemon, fruit drinks, tea with honey, broth of a dogrose or a sage. Tea with raspberries is also very good - raspberry reduces heat and softens the symptoms of influenza.

Nursing or cough medicines prescribed by a doctor will also have a beneficial effect on the treatment of influenza in pregnant women. On the recommendation of the doctor, you can also apply steam inhalations with calendula, chamomile, soda, St. John's wort, mint and eucalyptus oil.

Antibiotics for influenza are irrelevant, because they only affect bacteria, and influenza is a viral disease.

Complications of influenza in pregnant women will not be your problem, if at the first symptoms of this disease you will follow all the doctor's recommendations.