COLD Wave Alert In India: How To Protect Yourself From Cold Wave If You Are Pregnant

Dr. Loveleena Nadir, Senior Consultant Gynecologist and Obstetrician at Rosewalk Premium Birthing Hospital Delhi, tells it all.

Generally speaking, cold and flu symptoms are not dangerous for mothers or babies. Most pregnant women who catch a cold experience mild symptoms and recover quickly. Pregnancy is a dangerous state of immunocompromise, so women may be at increased risk of infection. To help pregnant women understand how to keep them safe from suffering serious health complications from cold weather, TheHealthSite.com spoke to: Dr. Loveleena Nadir, Senior Consultant Gynecologist and Obstetrician, Rosewalk Premium Birthing Hospital Delhi.

Viruses are prevalent during the winter months, making pregnant women more susceptible to flu, COVID-19, and other viral and bacterial infections. These can put you at an increased risk of developing complications such as bronchitis, which can lead to pneumonia, and rarely lead to miscarriage, premature birth, or stillbirth.

cold and flu symptoms

Common cold and flu symptoms in pregnant women include cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headache, fever, and diarrhea. what should you do It is important to see a doctor if you have a high or persistent fever, discolored mucus, cough with chest pain or wheezing, or shortness of breath.

How to keep pregnant women safe during cold weather?

Pregnant women are advised to be vaccinated against influenza, whooping cough and Covid-19 to prevent serious illness. Vaccination against Covid-19 can be given at any time during pregnancy, but T-Dap vaccination against whooping cough is preferably given between 27 and 36 weeks of gestation. This gives the baby inherited protection against whooping cough for the first few months after birth.

Get proper treatment early to avoid colds and coughs during pregnancy. Some caveats are:

1. Hands should be washed frequently with warm, soapy water.
2. Avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth.
3. Practice “Catch, Bin, Kill”. This means coughing or sneezing into a tissue and washing your hands afterwards.
4. Avoid sharing cups and plates with someone who has a cold or flu.
5. Avoid sharing towels.
6. Home and work surfaces should be cleaned frequently.
7. A healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, plenty of sleep and prenatal vitamins boosts immunity and protects against infections.
8. Keep a safe distance from affected people.

Treatment includes inhaling steam, using an indoor humidifier, nasal spray, steam rubs, decongestants, adding lemon or honey to decaffeinated tea, gargling with warm water, and using pillows to keep the head elevated. It is included.