Pregnant and cold – you should consider this

A cold during pregnancy raises questions among many expectant mothers: is the cold dangerous for the baby? When should I go to the doctor? Can I work with a cold, or should I take sick leave? We answer the most critical questions about colds during pregnancy.

Why do I keep getting colds? 

Many women get frequent colds during pregnancy. This is not unusual because the immune system has to protect two people and is, therefore, more stressed than usual. This also makes it easier for cold viruses to attack. So it’s no wonder many women feel like they’ve had a cold for the whole pregnancy.

 

Is a cold dangerous during pregnancy? 

Pregnant and have a cold? That’s no reason to panic. A typical cold during pregnancy is not severe and usually does not harm the baby. However, there are a few things pregnant women should keep in mind.

Since the immune system already has enough to do with pregnancy, a cold is particularly stressful for expectant mothers and makes them susceptible to further infections (so-called secondary infections). In the event of a cold, pregnant women should be prudent not to come into contact with pathogens and avoid crowds. In general, pay attention to your body’s signs; if in doubt, consult a doctor. 

If you catch a cold just before the due date, the baby may be delayed because the mother’s body initially concentrates on fighting the cold.

Does the common cold harm the baby?

A cold during pregnancy is usually neither harmful nor contagious to the baby. The cold viruses primarily attack the mother’s upper respiratory tract and the mucous membranes in her nose and throat. Your immune system prevents the viruses from penetrating deeper into the body and reaching the baby. In addition, babies in the womb are protected from pathogens by the mother’s antibodies, the so-called nest protection.

 Pregnant women don’t have to worry about hurting their babies when they cough or sneeze either. The amniotic fluid cushions the shock so that babies only feel a rocking motion. 

 

When should you see the doctor with a cold?

Even during pregnancy, a mild cold does not require a visit to the doctor. However, caution is advised if a fever accompanies the cold. Short bouts of fever are not a cause for concern. On the other hand, premature labour is possible if the temperature stays above 39 degrees Celsius for several days. If the fever does not go away on its own, you should see a doctor after two days at the latest.

Pregnant women should also consult a doctor if they already have another illness, if the cold lasts longer than a week or if they suspect they have the flu. Symptoms of the flu can include chills and muscle pain. 

A doctor’s visit is also advisable if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Severe cough, as this can trigger premature labour
• Fever associated with abdominal pain
• bloody or purulent discharge or sputum
• persistent difficulty breathing or extreme weakness
• Symptoms that appear suddenly and get worse quickly
• particularly severe symptoms or pain

Which doctor?

There is often uncertainty about which doctor is responsible for a cold during pregnancy: the family doctor or gynaecologist. It doesn’t matter which doctor you go to. If your family doctor is unsure what needs to be considered in the specific case of pregnancy, he will refer you to your gynaecologist.

Rule out other viral infections. 

Some viral infections cause symptoms similar to cold ones and are often not recognized immediately. For example, the cytomegalovirus (CMV) from the herpes virus family causes headaches and swollen lymph nodes in a healthy adult but can be life-threatening for your child. 

The pathogen that causes ringworm also initially appears to cause a harmless cold, but it is dangerous for the baby. Pregnant women should consult a doctor if the cold is accompanied by fever and skin rash.

 

Go to work despite having a cold? 

If you have a cold, pregnant women should rest and take it easy for a few days to avoid spreading the infection. If you feel too ill to work, get a sick leave. 

Can pregnant women take medication?

The basic rule is: During pregnancy, you should avoid medication as much as possible. Some herbal active ingredients, homoeopathic remedies, and home remedies can also harm the baby. Therefore, find out which remedies you can use, and it is best to ask a doctor or naturopath for advice.

Prevent colds during pregnancy.

A cold during pregnancy is uncomfortable and strains the immune system. So it’s best to keep it from getting to that point in the first place. How to prevent a cold:

• If possible, keep your distance from people with cold and large crowds and from things that may have come into contact with the pathogens, such as door handles and railings.
• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.
• Avoid kissing and sharing the same dishes if your partner has a cold. To avoid spreading the pathogens unnecessarily, your partner should immediately dispose of his used handkerchiefs in a closed rubbish bin. 
• Remember to ventilate the rooms thoroughly!
• Strengthen your immune system with a balanced, vitamin-rich diet and drink enough.
• Treat yourself to regular exercise (preferably in the fresh air) and avoid stress.

 

flu in pregnancy

Unlike the common cold, the common cold, flu can devastate pregnant women and their babies. As the pregnancy progresses, the risk of severe flu and complications, such as pneumonia, increases. Miscarriages and premature births are also possible.

For this reason, flu vaccination is recommended for pregnant women from the second trimester of pregnancy. Under certain circumstances, it is also advisable in early pregnancy. The flu vaccination is considered risk-free and should be carried out in good time before the start of the winter season.

Breastfeeding with a cold – what should be considered?

A mild cold is also not a problem for breastfeeding mothers. Since babies also absorb antibodies with their mother’s milk, mothers with colds cannot usually infect their children. Of course, you should still be careful not to sneeze or cough on your baby.

Suppose you have a cold while breastfeeding; take good care of yourself. Your body needs a lot of rest and a nutritious diet. Just like with a cold during pregnancy, you should consult a doctor if you have a fever or a bad cold while breastfeeding.