Effects of the flu in early pregnancy

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

In this paper, we propose to get acquainted 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 catching 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 getting sick and 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 (SARS) the term "flu", this is not correct. The latter carries a more severe form, the disease is caused by influenza viruses. In fact, there are a very large number of them (more than two thousand). From thema large number of people die every year, sometimes up to 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, of which more than two hundred are known at the moment, they carry diseases similar to influenza. Among them, the most widespread are the following viruses:

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

In the US, there is a special center for disease control, it offers during epidemics to be vaccinated for 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 mom

The consequences of the flu during pregnancy can be different for both mother and baby. 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;
• airway lining;
• toxicity.

These features cause the disease-causing effect of the flu. The virus entersthe 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 baby's circulatory system.

Another thing about the flu is that it's constantly changing, which is why people don't have the antigen. There are three types of viruses in total:

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

You should 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. Functions are disrupted during infection:

• endocrine system;
• immune system.

This all 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 the flu in the first trimester are the most severe. What happens to the unborn baby in the period up to 12 weeks? Very important processes are underway now:

• forming nervous system;
• internal organs are laid.

It is imperative to fight with a high temperature (how to do it - the doctor will tell you), if this is notdo, then the baby will be infected, and this will lead to the development of the following consequences:

• encephalopathy;
• convulsions;
• cerebral palsy;
• death.

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

• preterm birth (despite this, the baby is born viable);
• developmental delay (fetal);
• oligohydramnios.

The last 2 points affect the weight of the baby 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 only harm the baby during the first trimester, but this is not true. There is a chance of infection of the fetus, but it is already much lower. Why is the second trimester 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 result in:

• stunting;
• oligohydramnios.

It was already mentioned in the last paragraph that this can cause the birth of a baby with a small body weight.

3rd trimester

From this part of the articleyou 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, the 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:

• disorders of the cardiovascular system;
• preterm birth;
• exacerbation of mother's chronic diseases;
• general decrease in immunity to infections and so on.

It is also important to know that "swine flu" is the 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 can be:

• high temperature;
• cough;
• headache;
• vomit;
• diarrhea.

Be sure to call the doctor to prescribe treatment.

Consequences

In this paragraph, we propose to summarize everything that was 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;
• preterm birth;
• exacerbation of chronic diseases and so on.

For a childthe consequences (depending on the term) are:

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

Diagnosis

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

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

Diagnose flu with:

• inspection;
• poll;
• laboratory research.

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

• blush on cheeks;
• shine mucous eyes;
• 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 a doctorhome. Do not take any drugs yourself.

Ventilate the room once an hour, wet cleaning of the room is obligatory, 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;
• chronic diseases worsened;
• it is not possible 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 must follow some elementary 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 in the household "caught" the flu, then try to limit contacts, follow the rules of personal hygiene. Do not eat from the same dish, wash your hands often, wear 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 interview you, examine and write out directions for the necessary tests. There are the following laboratory methods for detecting influenza viruses:

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

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