Influenza during pregnancy – how to prevent and treat it?

Influenza during pregnancy usually gives stronger symptoms and sometimes lasts longer than normal. In women who are expecting a baby, the immune system is much weaker and therefore there is an increased risk of not only viral but also bacterial infections. Influenza and pregnancy in the first trimester is particularly dangerous for the fetus. By 18 weeks of fetal life, the placenta is developing, which provides a natural barrier against the entry of microorganisms. Influenza at the beginning of pregnancy is treated similarly to that which occurs in subsequent trimesters.

What are the risks of influenza during pregnancy?

A simple cold, lasting a few days, has little effect on the fetus. It is different with influenza. There is no doubt that influenza in the first trimester of pregnancy treated incorrectly or not treated at all particularly affects the pregnant woman’s heart muscle, which can result in post-influenza myocarditis. The lungs are also at risk, with the consequent risk of complications in the form of bronchitis. When influenza strikes a woman in the final weeks of pregnancy, it can cause premature birth, low birth weight of the baby, impaired development of the nervous and digestive systems. The influenza virus in the most severe cases even threatens to cause fetal death. Pregnancy and the flu is apparently a failed combination, which is why it is surprising that only 10% of women expecting a baby choose to be vaccinated  during pregnancy. Preventive measures are based on a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, avoiding contact with infected people, hand hygiene and choosing clothing according to the weather. Interestingly, during the first weeks of pregnancy, a woman may experience flu-like symptoms, such as headache and muscle pain.

Stomach flu in pregnancy in the 1st trimester poses slightly less risk to the pregnant woman than the common cold. During the symptoms of such ailments, a pregnant woman loses a great deal of water and electrolytes, putting her at risk of dehydration. The most important thing, therefore, is to drink as much water as possible during the intestinal flu in pregnancy, avoid coffee and tea, and take electrolytes.

Treatment of influenza in pregnancy

After the first flu symptoms appear, a pregnant woman should not take treatment on her own, but only seek help from a specialist. Taking any medication can have teratogenic, or fetal-damaging effects. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs containing salicylic acid or ibuprofen should be avoided in particular. It risks bleeding from the reproductive tract, damages the heart, liver and brain.

Influenza in the 9th month of pregnancy as well as that occurring in the first months can be effectively and safely treated with paracetamol and antihistamines. Standard recommendations, not only for flu symptoms in pregnancy, are to rest in the warmth in bed. There are also a number of home remedies to fight the infection. Influenza in the 1st trimester of pregnancy, and in the following months, can be alleviated with black currant, chokeberry, quince or orange juices. It is also not uncommon to recommend using marjoram or peppermint ointment for a runny nose during pregnancy. Baking soda inhalations are also effective, which cleanses and moisturizes the mucous membrane. A humidifier or ionizer with a few drops of essential oils is often placed in the room where the pregnant woman is staying. If there are no contraindications, a good method is to use onion or garlic syrups, which are considered an antibiotic of natural origin.

 See also: Causes and characteristics of discharge during pregnancy