Symptoms | Cold during pregnancy

Symptoms

The reason for a cold in pregnancy is – as with other colds – usually a viral infection, which can be different depending on the season and area. The infection manifests itself as a so-called droplet infection, i.e. the viruses are present in the air we breathe or in the finest droplets that are flung out of the nose, mouth and throat when we cough or sneeze. These also adhere to hands and subsequently to door handles, bus handles or similar and from there they reach the hands of others, the mucous membranes, and finally settle there as well. Frequently, repeated reinfections occur, which either run in circles over the partner, one’s own children or other close persons or even lead to repeated “selfinfection” – for example through used handkerchiefs, which continue to be used in the first phase of healing. Any droplet infection is therefore always accompanied by a rapid infection of many people in the same period of time, since a very large spread of the viruses and thus poor controllability can often be observed.

Prophylaxis

To prevent a cold from the beginning, a general strengthening of the immune system is recommended. One should make sure that one has sufficiently warm clothing and avoid draughts. If possible, you should never get into a cold.

Especially hands and feet should be kept warm because the temperature of these body parts has a direct effect on the temperature of the mucous membranes and thus on their resistance. Cold, chapped mucous membranes are a weaker barrier against viruses in the following. Fresh air is also very beneficial; regular, short walks are best.

Just like outdoor exercise, a vitamin-rich, balanced diet and plenty of fluids can help. During the well-known cold season, you should wash your hands more often than usual and, if possible, reduce shaking hands to a minimum. Last but not least, regular relaxation phases and sufficiently good sleep are also important against colds, because the human body is much more susceptible to all kinds of diseases in stressful situations and in cases of sleep deprivation and fatigue due to a slight suppression of the immune system by the body.

Especially patients who are more prone to infections can also consider using a herbal preparation to strengthen the immune system. Most of these active ingredients are also recommended for pregnant women without restrictions. A good recommendation for such products can be given by the family doctor.

During the known cold season one should wash the hands more frequently than in the normal case and reduce shaking hands to a minimum if possible. Last but not least, regular relaxation phases and sufficiently good sleep are also important against colds, because the human body is much more susceptible to diseases of all kinds in stressful situations and in cases of sleep deprivation and fatigue due to a slight suppression of the immune system by the body. Especially patients who are more prone to infections can also consider using a herbal preparation to strengthen the immune system. Most of these active ingredients are also recommended for pregnant women without restrictions. A good recommendation for such products can be given by the family doctor.