What can I do to minimize the risk to my baby? | Is a cold during pregnancy dangerous for my baby?

What can I do to minimize the risk to my baby?

In order to protect your unborn child in case of a cold during pregnancy, it is advisable to follow some simple instructions. To avoid catching a cold in the first place from a bacterial or viral infection, pregnant women should avoid close contact with people who are ill. You want to avoid a cold as much as possible? – We have the appropriate article for this: How can you prevent a cold?

It is also advisable to avoid large crowds of people because of the risk of infection through close physical contact. This can be particularly relevant during the flu season. Pregnant women should also pay attention to good hygiene, for example by washing their hands thoroughly and frequently or using disinfectants to prevent infection with pathogens. Furthermore, every woman who wants to have children is strongly recommended to be vaccinated against the real flu (influenza), as this can lead to complications or even damage and malformations of the unborn child.

What medications may I take for the common cold?

In general, pregnant women with a cold are best advised not to take any medication at all, but to try to cure the cold with other, non-drug means.Since no medical studies are conducted on pregnant women, no information is available on potential side effects. Especially in the first three months of pregnancy, no medication should be taken, as the risk of damage to the fetus is greatest during this time. However, if the symptoms cause the pregnant woman severe pain, it is possible to take either the painkiller ibuprofen or paracetamol.

However, ibuprofen should only be taken up to the 28th week of pregnancy, as taking it after this period could block part of the unborn child’s bloodstream. Taking ibuprofen from the 28th week could also delay the birth. The relative safety of both painkillers during pregnancy is also ensured by the fact that they should not be taken for weeks or even months. Cough relievers with the active ingredient acetylcysteine are controversially discussed. Some package inserts contain warnings for pregnant women, others allow the product to be taken without risk to the unborn child.