Your approach to life changes when you become pregnant. Everything you do has an impact on your body and your unborn baby, and this makes catching flu more complicated.
Getting flu during pregnancy is one of the worst nightmares for mums-to-be. If you become sick, you may worry about how the infection can affect your baby, and what if you suffer from a high fever, or recurrent diarrhoea? Could those symptoms hurt your baby? Before you were pregnant, you may have taken an over-the-counter pain killer, nasal decongestant, or a cough syrup, but now you wonder: is it safe? Could these medications cause problems for your baby?
What symptoms should you look for?
Flu symptoms vary but usually it encompasses fever, runny and/or blocked nose, sore throat, body aches, malaise, cough possibly with phlegm, and headache. Some people may also have symptoms related to digestive tract like vomiting and diarrhoea. Flu usually hits like a fast-moving train with you feeling okay at the beginning of the day, tired and drained by mid-afternoon, and with a high fever by evening.
Can flu affect your baby?
The good news is that a common cold or even mild flu will not harm your unborn baby. However, if it is more serious you should visit your obstetrician at once. Severe dehydration can lead to preterm contractions, and a high fever may also affect your baby’s development if you are still in the first trimester.
What’s the best way to treat the flu during pregnancy?
Try these natural flu remedies
- Use sugar or honey-based lozenges to relieve sore throats and cough.
- Get plenty of rest, and raise your head while sleeping to ease nasal congestion.
- Drink plenty of fluids such as water, fresh juice, as well as warm drinks in case of a sore throat.
- Put a humidifier in your room to provide extra moisture, it can help reduce congestion.
How can you protect yourself and your unborn child from the flu?
- Avoid sharing food, utensils, or cups with others.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and throat and wash your hands frequently.
- Carry hand sanitiser with you, and use it often.
- Stay away from family members who show signs of infection (e.g. sneezing and coughing).
- Get plenty of sleep and eat healthily.
- Stay hydrated.
- Get a flu shot. It is encouraged for all pregnant women to get the flu shot (unless they have a significant allergy to eggs or the flu vaccine). The beneficial thing about getting the flu shot while you are pregnant is that your baby will receive a boost of passive immunity against the flu virus too. It will give the baby some protection after birth (up to 6 months old) from flu.
It is important to call your obstetrician if your symptoms are causing you to not eat or sleep well, or if they last for more than a couple of days without improving. It is also important to have an urgent consultation if you develop a fever that is 102° Fahrenheit or higher.
Lastly, if you start to feel dizzy, confused, or if you begin to cough up discoloured mucus or feel chest discomfort and/or wheezing, make sure to call your obstetrician promptly.
With thanks to Dr Amaya Carrerasis, an Obstetrics & Gynaecology Specialist at a leading medical centre.