Upper Respiratory Tract Infection during PregnancyNormally when you have some sort of cold, it becomes very exasperating sometimes to handle when you are surrounded by a lot of chores. However, when you are an expecting mom, the minor cold makes you feel like you don’t have the strength left to deal with it. As we all might know, a cold is an upper respiratory tract infection, and it is hard to handle upper respiratory tract infection when you are pregnant.
There are a lot of viruses that are known to cause many cases of upper respiratory tract infections. However, there is a thing that should not forget that viruses never respond to any sort of medications such as antibiotics. That’s why is said to leave the viruses to run their course. You might always be looking for effective ways to deal with it, here is how you can handle it while expecting.
Treating the Upper Respiratory Tract Infection during Pregnancy
During pregnancy, women have a weakened immune system, which makes the viruses and simple illnesses last for long. In this case, women are always recommended to practice the ways that make them more comfortable. There are some common things you can do to handle the common flu and cold.
Control the Common Fever
If you are having a common fever, try to maintain it to below 100.4 degrees F. if you got a high fever it could lead to birth-related defects and affect the unborn baby, such as functional and behavioral problems and neural tube defects. Some ways help manage your fever such as;
- Take bath in lukewarm water
- Wear loose clothes that allow the heat to imitate your body.
- Consult with the doctor about the common fever medications.
Take Rest
Usually expecting moms experience lethargic feelings, which could be due to the on-going symptoms of pregnancy. But the upper respiratory tract infections make them weaker. Hence, it is important to take rest as much as you can.
Push the Congestion Away!
Congestion is another cause of acute distress while you are having a cold. Always try some effective ways to get rid of nasal congestion. You can use a humidifier in your room that helps you get relief. Moreover, you can take steam by using saline water in the pot for some relief.
Stay Hydrated!
During pregnancy, women are already strictly recommended to take enough amount of water. However, when you are dehydrated you are more likely to have a dry cough. It is very easy to get dehydrated during the cold, so always try to take some fluids. Moreover, dehydration can also lead to some complications in childbirth and could lead to premature labor.
Get Rid of Cough!
Continuous cough in pregnant women could lead to discomfort that bothers you a lot while you are sleeping. Try the home remedies if you have a common cough, take ginger tea, honey, basil leaf, etc. to treat it. Before using any medicine, consult with your doctor first!