Colds at 38 weeks gestation: safe treatments, possible consequences

A cold at 38 weeks of gestation can cause many problems. The big plus is that the child is already formed and ready for birth. There is no risk of miscarriage. But there are other complications that are dangerous at this time.

Often, pregnant women in the third trimester actively visit shops, classes for expectant mothers, like to go to shopping centers. Everywhere there are a large number of people, which can trigger a cold. After all, it is transmitted by airborne droplets.

Common cold: symptoms

The signs of the disease in the expectant mother do not particularly differ from the disease in the non-pregnant. A cough or runny nose may also appear. The most common signs of a cold at 38 weeks gestation:

1. Sore throat.
2. Cough.
3. Headache.

Cold sores can also form. In addition, snot, vomiting and diarrhea may occur with a cold at 38 weeks of gestation.

If a pregnant woman feels aches in her body and joints, and also has a high fever, then this is most likely the flu. This disease is characterized by such sharp symptoms. The virus, entering the body, begins to spread rapidly and can cause intoxication. It is worth immediately treating the ailment. Firstly, if the disease is in the early stages, then its treatment will be more gentle, which will not affect the child and mother. Secondly, a woman may have little strength, which can complicate childbirth. Therefore, you need to be treated immediately.

Self-medication is not an option!

For any disease, only a doctor can prescribe treatment, you can not self-medicate and do not drink ordinary, habitual drugs. The leading gynecologist finds out the gestational age and its features. After that, he will prescribe drugs that will help to recover and not harm the baby.

Who harms the common cold - the future mother or baby?

At 38 weeks of pregnancy, the placenta protects the baby well, which does not allow harmful and dangerous substances to enter. She also responds to the baby's immunity. All organs and functions of the fetus are well developed, but do not relax, you need to understand that a cold carries a danger.

In the last weeks of pregnancy, it is more difficult for a woman to endure diseases, because the child compresses some internal organs. Because of this, it is becoming increasingly difficult for a future mother to breathe and move. Also, by the 38th week, the placenta begins to age and is not so well performing its protective function.

So that there are no consequences, the doctor will prescribe the necessary antipyretic drugs. But if the body temperature is below 37.5, then you do not need to knock it down, this is normal. Additionally, on the instructions for drugs, you can read the recommendations for pregnant women.

Danger of a cold at 38 weeks of gestation. Reviews and opinions of girls

The expectant mother is always worried when she gets sick. After all, a viral infection enters the body, which is not dangerous for the child. But where does the excitement come from? Why is it dangerous to get sick at this period of pregnancy?

Colds at 38 weeks of pregnancy still need to beware. With fever, the fetus may develop malformations. This does not apply to a temperature of 37.2, this may be acceptable. The placenta no longer performs its function so well. Therefore, the barrier collapses, and unnecessary substances can get to the child. It all depends on the height of the temperature and the complexity of the course of the disease. Do not panic right away. But if the temperature has risen above 38 degrees, you need to quickly go to the hospital. The doctor will prescribe medication to bring down the fever.

Effects

What are the consequences of a cold at 38 weeks of gestation? If a fever rises, then the fetus may have disturbances in all body systems. At earlier dates, there is a violation of the placenta, while the child ceases to receive nutrients and oxygen in the required amount.

Another danger with a severe cold can be premature birth and placental abruption. So, at the slightest suspicion of a cold, you need to go to the hospital, as there may be fetal hypoxia. And a pregnant woman, in addition to the virus, may still develop a bacterial infection. And this often leads to bronchitis.

Simple tips

How to treat a cold so as not to harm the unborn baby and avoid negative consequences? The most important thing is to go to the hospital. Self-medication can only complicate the situation. During the period of illness, the pregnant woman needs more rest, in a well-ventilated place, with good humidity, preferably separately from everyone. Avoid physical exertion, more at rest. With a cold at 38 weeks of pregnancy, you need to drink a lot of fluids. If there is no appetite, you do not need to force yourself to eat. At this time, the body is fighting viruses, the extra load on the stomach is not needed.

What should be done to lower the temperature?

If it is not higher than 37.5 degrees, then nothing needs to be done. But if it exceeds 38 degrees, first you need to consult a doctor so that he advises good safe medicines.

If it is not possible to go to the hospital, you need to periodically measure the temperature, apply cool compresses and drink plenty of fluids, you can have tea. The limbs may be cold, they need to be warmed. At elevated temperatures, more than 39 degrees, you need to urgently call an ambulance.

All antipyretic drugs can be taken only after the appointment of a doctor. Since the drugs familiar to us can provoke disturbances in many systems in the child's body. Only a doctor can assess the condition of a sick woman and recommend medications to avoid the risks of negative consequences.

How to treat a runny nose?

Pregnant women may experience symptoms such as nasal congestion. It may not always be a runny nose. Most often this is due to hormones. But if there is a temperature with nasal congestion, a cough and a sore throat, then you need to see a doctor in a hospital. Only there they will be able to advise and prescribe the necessary drops in the nose to remove congestion and runny nose.

If you can’t get to the hospital, then you can apply:

1. Rinse the nose with a solution of salt or buy a spray on this basis. This will clear your nose and make breathing easier.
2. Humidity, airing the room.
3. The nose can be heated with salt and a boiled egg, if there is no temperature.

Use other drugs, drops and sprays only after consulting a doctor.

How to treat a throat?

If the throat begins to hurt, then this suggests that other signs of the common cold, ARI, will soon appear. Many medicines are contraindicated in pregnant women. But there are safe ways to remove a sore throat. How to treat a throat with a cold at 38 weeks of gestation?

1. You can gargle with a solution of salt and water, a decoction of chamomile. Doing this is worth at least three times a day.
2. Drink warm tea, milk with honey.
3. Throat lozenges with antimicrobial properties, but only those that are allowed for expectant mothers.

If the pain persists for several days, then you need to go to the hospital so as not to start the disease.

Cough treatment

If there is an inflammatory process in the throat and a stuffy nose, a cough may occur. As already known, it is impossible to treat with usual medications. There are simple cough treatments that can help pregnant women without harm.

How to treat a cold at 38 weeks of gestation:

1. Breathe over the container with steam, herbs, you can use chamomile, calendula.
2. Warm tea.
3. Here you can also apply gargling of the throat and mouth. The same herbs and soda with salt.

If the cough does not stop, you need to go to the hospital. Be sure to listen to the lungs to exclude pneumonia. If folk remedies do not help, medicines will be added to them. But only those that the doctor will prescribe, so as not to harm the baby. Additionally, you can study the instructions.

Herpes

Another ailment during pregnancy associated with the common cold is herpes. When a woman’s immunity falls, the virus begins to progress actively, resulting in wounds on her lips. If a woman knows what herpes is, and she had it before pregnancy, then he will not bring harm. But if this virus appeared for the first time, then you should definitely consult a doctor.

To cure herpes, you can use the usual ointments, but only after the permission of the doctor. You can not drink antiviral medications, only after consultation in the hospital, but it is better, of course, to use drugs only external exposure. Also, you do not need to use those medications that are advised on the Internet, it is better to listen to the opinion of the doctor. After treating a cold, you need to wash your hands and often do not touch the wounds.

Treatment tips

There are a number of medications that are allowed for expectant mothers. But first you need to get a doctor's consultation. Then use this or that drug.

How to treat a cold at 38 weeks:

1. Paracetamol can be used to bring down the fever, but the doctor must tell the dose.
2. From a cold you can use drops based on sea water.
3. For pain in the throat, you can use antioxidants to rinse and the simplest lozenges, not prohibited for pregnant women.

There are also folk remedies for combating ailments:

1. You need to drink a lot of warm liquid, teas, decoctions of herbs.
2. It is necessary to eat foods enriched with vitamin C. It can be not only fruits, but also vegetables.
3. You need to do a gargle for the throat from decoctions of herbs. Calendula and daisy are good.

What can not be done?

There are a number of procedures that can not be performed during pregnancy at 38 weeks. It is dangerous for the life of the future mother and baby.

1. Do not use mustard plasters.
2. You can’t soar your feet and take a hot bath. It should be changed for a shower, it is safer.
3. Do not use warming ointments.
4. Do not use nasal drops to narrow vessels.
5. You can not drink unknown herbal decoctions. Only chamomile, linden, rose hip.

How to protect yourself from an ailment?

To prevent yourself from a cold, you need to follow simple rules. Every woman can do it. Then you will not get a cold at 38-39 weeks of pregnancy.

The recommendations are as follows:

1. Less visit crowded places.
2. If there is an epidemic in the region, then it is better to wear a mask on the street.
3. Follow personal hygiene rules, wash hands.
4. There are vegetables, fruits.
5. Ventilate the premises, do wet cleaning.
6. Hiking street.
7. It is possible to take vitamins, but only after the recommendation of a doctor.