Colds during pregnancy: what you can take and when to see a doctor

Other names: Простуда при беременности, ОРВИ у беременных, насморк при беременности, температура при беременности, кашель у беременной, чем лечить горло беременным

A cold during pregnancy is an acute respiratory viral infection that occurs in much the same way as outside of pregnancy, but requires a more careful approach to medications. The immune system of the expectant mother works in a special mode, so respiratory diseases occur more often, and the flu can be more severe, with a greater risk of complications. For a child, it is not so much the cold itself that is dangerous, but high temperature, severe intoxication and uncontrolled use of drugs. Most acute respiratory viral infections go away in 5–7 days with home treatment, plenty of fluids and symptomatic remedies agreed with the doctor.

🧾 МКБ-10: O98.8 🏥 Where it is treated: 7 Medicines - with cautionThe temperature is reduced on timeFlu is more dangerous than a common cold

👨‍⚕️ Which doctor

Therapist, obstetrician-gynecologist

🔬 Diagnostics

Diagnosis is usually made clinically; in severe cases - complete blood count, urine test, saturation assessment

💊 Treatment

Home regimen, drinking plenty of fluids, rinsing the nose with saline solution, antipyretic as prescribed by the doctor

📈 Prognosis

Favorable for uncomplicated course; flu requires special attention

⚠️ At risk

Season of increased morbidity, contact with patients, chronic lung and heart diseases, anemia, diabetes mellitus

⏱ When to see a doctor

Planned; for shortness of breath and high temperature - emergency

🚨 See a doctor urgently

With these signs do not wait for a scheduled appointment — the condition requires emergency care.

Одышка, нехватка воздуха, боль в груди — вызовите 103
Температура выше 38,5 °C, которая не снижается
Температура держится дольше трёх-четырёх дней
Спутанность сознания, обморок, выраженная слабость
Кровянистые выделения, схватки или подтекание вод
Уменьшение или прекращение шевелений ребёнка

Why do pregnant women get sick more often?

During pregnancy, the immune system is rebuilt so as not to reject the child, and some of the protective reactions weaken. In addition, breathing changes: the diaphragm rises with the growing uterus, the volume of the lungs decreases, and the nasal mucosa swells under the influence of estrogens. Because of this, viral infections stick more easily, the nose gets more stuffy, and the cough lasts longer. It is important to remember that nasal congestion in the second half of pregnancy occurs without infection - this is the so-called rhinitis of pregnant women, which goes away after childbirth.

Physiological restructuring of immunity
Swelling of the nasal mucosa under the influence of hormones
Reduced lung volume due to a high diaphragm
Slower recovery
Rhinitis in pregnant women without infection

Why is high temperature dangerous?

The cold virus itself usually does not penetrate the child, but persistent high fever in the mother in the first trimester is associated with an increased risk of developmental disorders. In addition, severe intoxication and dehydration impair blood flow in the placenta. Therefore, temperatures above 38 °C during pregnancy are reduced without waiting until it gets really bad. Influenza requires special attention: in pregnant women it is more often complicated by pneumonia and requires early initiation of antiviral treatment prescribed by a doctor.

Temperatures above 38 °C are reduced
Special caution in the first trimester
Dehydration impairs blood flow to the placenta
Flu is more dangerous than a common cold
The risk of pneumonia is higher than outside pregnancy
Shortness of breath requires immediate help

Do's and Don'ts

There are fewer permitted funds than it seems. To reduce fever during pregnancy, use paracetamol in the dose recommended by your doctor. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including ibuprofen and especially aspirin, cannot be taken on their own: they are contraindicated in the third trimester. Vasoconstrictor nasal drops are used limitedly and for a short course only in consultation with a doctor, and it is better to replace them with rinsing with saline solution. Combined powders for colds during pregnancy are not recommended because they contain several active substances at once.

Paracetamol is the drug of choice for fever
Ibuprofen and aspirin without a doctor's prescription are excluded
Vasoconstrictor drops - briefly and by agreement
Is it safe to rinse your nose with saline?
Combination powders are not recommended
Alcohol rubbing and hot baths are prohibited

Home routine and symptom relief

The basis of treatment for ARVI is rest, cool, moist air and sufficient drinking: warm water, compote, fruit juice, if there are no restrictions on edema. Saline solutions and rinses are suitable for the nose, and gargling with warm water and salt and drinking plenty of fluids for the throat. Honey and lemon are acceptable if you are not allergic. It is forbidden to steam your feet, apply mustard plasters and cupping, or take hot baths during pregnancy. Herbal infusions seem harmless, but many plants are contraindicated during pregnancy, so they should also be discussed with your doctor.

Home routine and good sleep
Air ventilation and humidification
Plenty of warm drinks
Nasal rinsing and gargling
Refusal of warming up and mustard plasters
Herbs - only in consultation with a doctor

Prevention

The best protection against severe influenza during pregnancy is vaccination with an inactivated vaccine, which can be given during pregnancy; The issue is discussed with the doctor. Simple measures also help: frequent hand washing, avoiding visiting crowded places during the season of rising incidence, wearing a mask when in contact with sick people, ventilating the room. It is important to maintain normal levels of iron and vitamin D according to test results, eat well and get enough sleep. Prophylactic use of antiviral drugs without a doctor’s prescription is not recommended.

Vaccination against influenza according to the doctor's decision
Frequent hand washing and hygiene
Avoiding crowded places during the SARS season
Ventilation and humidification of the room
Good nutrition and sleep
Refusal to self-administer antiviral drugs

Services and prices for this diagnosis

Based on official price lists of Tashkent clinics. The exact cost is determined after examination.

🔬 Diagnostics

Консультация терапевта первичнаяfrom 150 000 Первичный приём гинекологаfrom 200 000 Общий клинический анализ крови + СОЭfrom 75 000 Общий анализ мочи (ОАМ)from 50 000

Frequently asked questions: Colds (ARVI) during pregnancy

Is it possible to take paracetamol during pregnancy?+

Yes, paracetamol is considered the drug of choice for reducing fever and pain during pregnancy. Take it in the minimum effective dose and for a short course, having previously agreed with your doctor. The recommended daily dose should not be exceeded.

Is a cold dangerous for a child?+

A common ARVI with a normal course does not, as a rule, harm a child. The risk is created by persistent high temperature, especially in the first trimester, severe intoxication and complications such as pneumonia. Therefore, the temperature is reduced and observed by a doctor.

Can pregnant women get the flu vaccine?+

An inactivated influenza vaccine can be used during pregnancy, and in many recommendations it is considered desirable, since influenza is more severe in pregnant women. The timing and feasibility are discussed with the supervising doctor.

Is it possible to float your legs and put mustard plasters on?+

No. Thermal procedures during pregnancy are not recommended: they can increase the tone of the uterus and cause pressure surges. Hot baths, saunas, mustard plasters and cupping are excluded, even if they helped before.

When do you need to see a doctor immediately if you have a cold?+

For shortness of breath, chest pain, temperature above 38.5 °C that does not decrease, fever for more than three to four days, confusion, as well as any obstetric signs: contractions, leakage of water, bleeding or weakening of movements. In an emergency, call 103.

The information on this page is for reference only and does not replace a doctor consultation. Only a qualified specialist can make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment after an in-person examination.

Where it is treated colds during pregnancy в Ташкенте

При беременности даже обычная простуда требует аккуратного подбора препаратов, поэтому лечение лучше согласовать с врачом. Clinics Ташкента с терапевтами и акушерами-гинекологами: