Synonyms
Rhinitis PregnancyRhinitis during pregnancy is usually caused by the same pathogens as in non-pregnant women. Especially bacterial and viral pathogens can lead to flu-like symptoms such as coughing, rhinitis and hoarseness. During pregnancy, however, hormonal changes within the female organism also increase the risk of developing a cold.
Many of the affected women simply endure the strong cold symptoms in order to avoid harming the growing child. In addition, some of the expectant mothers fear that severe coughs and colds can damage the child. However, this worry can be taken care of without any problems.
Frequent sneezing and coughing increases the pressure in the abdomen, but only causes slight rocking movements in the area of the amniotic fluid-filled uterus. Even a cold that is accompanied by high fever and chills is not dangerous for the growing child. Only long-lasting fever should be treated specifically. Women who suffer from a cold during pregnancy should note, however, that any drug treatment can have an influence on the development of the child. For this reason, the use of medicines for coughs and colds during pregnancy should always be discussed with a specialist.
Causes
Sniffles during pregnancy can have a variety of causes. First and foremost, it can be assumed that the same pathogens that cause non-pregnant women are responsible. Typical pathogens include above all viruses (for example the rhinovirus).
In addition, a cold during pregnancy can be caused by various allergens and/or irritants. During pregnancy, the chronic form of the sniffles also plays a decisive role. This cold is caused by hormonal changes and is often based on an inhibition of the body’s own immune system.
The organism of a woman is considered to be particularly susceptible to viral infections during pregnancy. Pregnant sniffles (regardless of the cause of the sniffles) is in most cases a disease that is bothersome but not dangerous. In certain situations, however, a cold in pregnancy can become problematic. A danger for the mother-to-be and/or the growing child exists, if: during pregnancy unauthorized medicines are used complications occur (for example: asthma attack with allergic rhinitis in pregnancy) incorrect treatment of rhinitis in early pregnancy basic and secondary diseases are present (diabetes mellitus, immune deficiency diseases, heart diseases) a risk pregnancy is present rare infectious causes are underlying, which can represent a larger health hazard apart from the rhinitis (for example: diphtheria)
- Medicines not approved during pregnancy are used
- Complications occur (for example: asthma attack with allergic rhinitis during pregnancy)
- Incorrect treatment of rhinitis in early pregnancy
- Basic and secondary diseases are present (diabetes mellitus, immunodeficiency diseases, heart diseases)
- A high-risk pregnancy exists
- Rare infectious causes are underlying, which can represent a larger health endangerment beside the cold (for example: Diphtheria)
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