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Cold and fever?
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These can be easily treated with safe medications during pregnancy
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Photo: Sampath Kumar g.p.
NOT TO WORRY With the right precautions
Colds are so common that it would be unusual for you to go through your pregnancy without catching a cold at least once. Colds, coughs and fevers are usually due to a viral infection. Most of the time there is no need for antibiotics. They can be treated with medications which are safe in pregnancy and relieve the symptoms.
Coughs, colds and viral fevers may make you feel tired and miserable but do not have any effect on the baby. Even when you have a severe cough, the coughing will not in any way disturb or harm the baby.
If the cough persists for more than a few days or is accompanied by a large amount of phlegm, you might want to see your doctor to rule out a severe infection. Women who have had sinusitis earlier may need to take specific medication to relieve the symptoms.
Immediate home remedies
Drink plenty of fluids, as this will help thin secretions. Water, juices, and warm tea are good for you.
Steam inhalation will help with a stuffy nose and also to relieve coughs.
Sleep in a reclining position with plenty of pillows under your head so that breathing is easier.
Hot water gargles are very soothing for a sore throat.
Use mentholated lozenges to relieve throat pain.
Medications to relieve symptoms
Decongestants: This group of medications is used to treat colds or allergies. They relieve stuffiness of the nose.
Cough suppressants and expectorants: Dextromethorphan, a common ingredient found in cough and cold medications, suppresses cough and is an effective medicine for a dry cough. Guaifenesin is an expectorant in many cough and cold medicines.
Antihistamines: Cough syrups and cold remedies may also contain an antihistamine.
Headache and bodyache: It is safe to use paracetamol for headache and also to bring down a fever. Body pain can be treated with ibuprofen.
Fever: It is best to avoid high fevers in pregnancy, especially in the first three months. Take paracetamol, which can be taken every four to six hours, to keep your temperature as near normal as possible.
Food
Having a cold, cough or fever does not mean you cannot eat a normal diet. You should make sure that you drink plenty of fluids and don’t get dehydrated. You do not have to avoid cold drinks, juices or curds. They do not aggravate the fever or cold. If drinking something cold makes your throat hurt, then you may avoid it.
Common causes of fever in pregnancy
The common causes of fever in pregnancy include:
Viral fever like influenza (‘the flu’)
Respiratory infections
Typhoid
Malaria
Respiratory infections
Sometimes a common cold or cough can progress to an infection in the lungs. You might start bringing up yellow or greenish phlegm which may have a bad odour. If the infection does not respond to the usual cold and cough remedies, your doctor might prescribe an antibiotic. The antibiotic prescribed should be carefully chosen to make sure that it does not have any effect on the baby.
Typhoid
Typhoid is an infection caused by eating or drinking food contaminated by Salmonella typhii. It is best avoided by being careful about where you are eating. Typhoid can be diagnosed by a blood test which will be conclusive only if done after you have had a fever for 5 days or more. Once it is confirmed that you have typhoid, you will be treated with antibiotics for a minimum of 10 days.
Malaria
Malaria is caused by a bite from an Anopheles mosquito. Using mosquito nets is a good way of avoiding malaria. If you have fever with severe rigours (shivering and chattering of teeth), a blood smear will be done to confirm the presence of malarial parasites in your blood. Malaria can be treated with medications which do not affect the baby.
GITA ARJUN
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