No one is immune from viral diseases. It concerns future mothers. But only while waiting for the baby, women are forbidden to use many familiar remedies for treatment. In particular, this concerns antiviral drugs during pregnancy in the 1st trimester. Treatment of the expectant mother should be carried out in order not to harm the developing body of the baby. How to do it? Below is a detailed description of which antiviral drugs are possible during pregnancy in the first trimester. It also talks about ways to help speed up the healing process.
The danger of viral diseases in early pregnancy
Viral diseases in the early stages can complicate the course of pregnancy and have a negative effect on the development of the fetus. During this period, the defenses of women are significantly weakened. Nature envisioned this so that her body does not tear off the embryo, perceiving it as a foreign object (because it is half composed of someone else's DNA). But the woman herself also becomes much more vulnerable to various, including respiratory viral, diseases.
It is very difficult to predict in advance how the transferred ARVI will affect the health of the future baby. The disease can go away without any consequences or complicate the course of pregnancy. Viral diseases in the early stages can trigger the development of:
- preeclampsia;
- polyhydramnios;
- placentitis;
- preterm birth.
The situation is further exacerbated in cases where a bacterial infection joins a viral disease.
Can I use antiviral drugs? Nuances
Antiviral drugs during pregnancy (1 trimester) can be prescribed in cases where acute respiratory viral infections or influenza are severe or other chronic diseases have worsened. But it is important to remember that the vital activity of viruses is directly related to the cells into which they penetrate. After all, it is here that they multiply. This means that during the destruction of the infection with the help of antivirals during pregnancy in the 1st trimester, the cells of the woman’s body are also damaged. Before prescribing such medicines to a future mother, the doctor will definitely take into account all the pros and cons of therapy.
Possible risks when using
Antivirals for pregnant women in the first trimester (the list of approved drugs will be discussed below) put the future mother and her baby at great risk. In the early stages, the development of the internal organs of the fetus occurs. Substances that are contained in antiviral drugs can lead to congenital abnormalities and defects. By the way, the risk of such phenomena decreases with increasing gestational age.
In addition, many antiviral drugs have not been tested with regards to their effect on the body of a pregnant woman and her unborn baby. So, their possible negative impact or its absence has not been scientifically proven.
Types of funds
All kinds of antivirals during pregnancy (1 trimester and for later periods) can be divided into three main groups:
- Preparations whose active substances cannot penetrate the placenta and will not harm an unborn baby.
- Drugs whose active substances can penetrate the placenta, but do not affect the fetal development.
- Drugs whose active substances are able to penetrate the placenta and accumulate in the tissues of the embryo.
From the names themselves, it becomes clear that it is best to give preference to funds from the first, in the worst case, the second, group. In most cases, these are homeopathic or immunomodulating drugs.
But the use of medicines, which are included in the third group, must be avoided so as not to increase the risk of abnormal development of the fetus.
Authorized Drugs
It's time to consider the approved antiviral for pregnant women (1 trimester). The list of drugs is not so long:
- Viferon.
- Anaferon.
- Oscillococcinum.
- "Grippferon."
All of them are highly effective in the fight against viruses, but at the same time they do not significantly affect the development of the fetus. It is worth familiarizing yourself with each of the above drugs in more detail.
Viferon
The drug goes on sale in the form of a gel, ointment and suppository. It is used in the treatment of respiratory viral and inflammatory infectious diseases (influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, sepsis, active phases of hepatitis, rubella, and so on). The drug in the form of an ointment is used for papillomavirus infections on the skin and mucous membranes, as well as for herpes.
The instruction for Viferon warns that the product is approved for use from the 14th week of pregnancy. First of all, this applies to suppositories. But the doctor can prescribe gel and ointment at an earlier date, since they have an effect only in the lesion.
In addition to the early stages of pregnancy, the drug has other contraindications for use. In particular, this is an increased sensitivity to the components of Viferon.
Side effects from treatment with this drug are found only in isolated cases. They can manifest as an allergic reaction, which is accompanied by itching and a rash. As a rule, after drug withdrawal, side effects disappear within 72 hours.
Anaferon
The next antiviral allowed during pregnancy (1 trimester) is Anaferon. It is available only in tablet form. Indications for use, according to the instructions, are:
- various forms of herpes;
- acute respiratory viral diseases;
- early stages of the flu;
- decreased immunity;
- cytomegalovirus infection.
In addition, the drug can be used as a prophylactic during epidemics of colds.
"Anaferon" is contraindicated in people with hypersensitivity to its active or auxiliary substances.
Can I use this antiviral during pregnancy (1 trimester)? Yes, otherwise his name would not have appeared in this article. But it is important to consider that in the early stages, the use of any of the medications should first be consulted with a doctor. He will take into account possible risks and benefits, and then decide on the need for Anaferon.
By the way, there is not only an "adult", but also a "children's" form of the drug. In some cases, the doctor prescribes the pregnancy to her. It is believed that this option is safer, although no less effective.
It should be careful with the use of this drug. Failure to comply with the permitted dosage or its too frequent use can lead to the development of an allergic reaction.
Oscillococcinum
Another antiviral drug permitted in the first trimester is Oscillococcinum. It can be attributed to the group of homeopathic remedies, since the drug has a natural composition. In most cases, "Oscillococcinum" is prescribed to strengthen weakened immunity, as well as faster recovery from colds. The drug helps to reduce high fever and get rid of other symptoms of SARS, thereby improving the well-being of a pregnant woman. But it will not help to completely cure the disease, so in parallel you will have to take other drugs for symptomatic therapy.
The drug is well tolerated and very rarely causes adverse reactions. If this still happens, they manifest themselves in the form of an allergy, which quickly disappears after discontinuation of the drug.
Despite the fact that Oscillococcinum is the safest antiviral for pregnant women (1 trimester), you should not self-medicate. In addition, the drug has some contraindications for use. For example, it is forbidden to people with hypersensitivity to its components, as well as to patients with intolerance to sucrose and lactose.
Grippferon
According to the manufacturer, "Grippferon" is also a completely safe remedy. The use of this antiviral during pregnancy (including 1 trimester) is not prohibited.
"Grippferon" is available in the form of drops and spray. They need to be applied to the mucous membranes of the nose.
The use of the drug can be prescribed for:
- elevated temperature;
- headaches;
- sore throat;
- coughing
- aching joints;
- runny nose.
As a rule, it is used when the first symptoms of a cold appear, and also as a prophylactic during the period of influenza epidemics and SARS.
Like other medications, "Grippferon" has some contraindications for use. It is not prescribed for patients with hypersensitivity to the constituent components, as well as in the presence of severe allergic diseases.
What can be treated when in position?
Given that many of the usual drugs, including antiviral drugs, are prohibited during pregnancy (1st trimester and even later), expectant mothers have a very logical question about how to treat colds and other diseases. We will not repeat again and again to say that it is necessary to consult a doctor with this problem. Instead, let’s recall a few drugs that will help to cope with the symptoms of respiratory diseases and will not harm the developing fetus.
Heat
It’s worth starting with a high temperature. One of the most effective and safe means to combat it is the well-known Paracetamol. It is present in many antipyretic drugs, but it is recommended to take it in its pure form.
Another popular and effective tool that does not harm the unborn baby is Panadol.
Cough
Doctor Mom will help get rid of a strong cough. This tool has high efficiency and speed of action. But you should not use it with a mild cough. In such a situation, it would be much better to use “folk” methods of treatment that definitely will not do harm (plentiful warm drink and so on).
Mukaltin and Bromhexine have also proven themselves well.
Runny nose
The safest way to get rid of the common cold is Aquamaris. The preparation contains only seawater, but this does not make it less effective. Also, a pregnant woman can use Pinosol drops, but you must first read the instructions so as not to exceed the maximum allowable dosage and duration of use of the product.
Prohibited Drugs
In addition to many antiviral drugs in the first trimester and later in pregnancy, some other drugs are also prohibited. For example, a woman should not use Aspirin to reduce fever. The prohibition group also includes tetracycline antibiotics. The most popular among them are Tetracycline, Levomycetin and Streptomycin. These funds can disrupt the formation of the skeleton of the fetus, thereby greatly damaging it.
Prevention of viral diseases. How to protect yourself?
How to avoid the need for antiviral drugs during pregnancy in the 1st trimester? Prevention is the answer to this question. Specialists recommend paying special attention to the state of your health. Since during pregnancy a woman is responsible not only for herself, but also for the unborn baby.
To protect yourself from colds or flu, you need to follow a few simple rules:
- cover your mouth with a napkin during coughing and sneezing;
- Do not use the same napkin for a long time;
- try not to touch the eyes, nose and mouth;
- if possible, avoid contact with patients;
- wash hands frequently with soap;
- during epidemics, rinse your nose and rinse your mouth after returning from the street;
- carry out wet cleaning in the apartment and do not forget to air the rooms;
- use a gauze bandage when visiting crowded places;
- take infusions of herbs rich in vitamin C (blackcurrant, cranberries, lingonberries, wild rose);
- include fresh fruits and vegetables in the diet.
After contact with sick people, the option of a single use of authorized antiviral agents, which we already mentioned above, is not ruled out. But still do not get too carried away with them and use at every opportunity. Despite the fact that the manufacturer says about the safety of antiviral agents, these are still medications.