Some Things Pregnant Women Need to Avoid During the Flu

Flu comes usually with mild symptoms, including in pregnant women. However, be careful. Avoid these things during the flu during pregnancy to get well quickly.

During pregnancy, you may have done everything you can to maintain your health so you don’t fall sick. But sometimes, illness comes unavoidably. One of the most common infectious diseases is the flu .

When the flu strikes, what should pregnant women avoid so that symptoms don’t get worse and get better soon?

Here are some things to do when you have a cold while pregnant:

1. strenuous activity

Pregnant women have the flu but still do a lot of activities and tasks? Better, postpone all work first. You can ask permission from your boss if you are an office worker.

Pregnant women who have the flu really need time to rest to help restore their immune system. Exhaustion when you are sick will only prolong the pain or make it worse. Try to prioritize rest periods for a few days.

2. Indiscriminate drug consumption

According to dr. Sepriani Timurtini Limbong , pregnant women should not take flu medicine carelessly without consulting a doctor.

Other articles:  Natural Ways to Relieve Flu During Pregnancy

“If the consumption of the drug is not appropriate, it can cause problems for the fetus,” he said.

In fact, not all substances in cold medicine are safe for mother and fetus. In fact, some of them increase the risk of impaired fetal growth, birth defects, and even miscarriage .

Doctor Sepriani also advised pregnant women to check the packaging on the drugs being sold.

“Usually there is an inscription whether or not pregnant women are allowed. Of course, the mother should consult an obstetrician,” he said.

3. Not Enough Nutrition Needs

When you are sick, your appetite will decrease significantly. However, choosing not to eat until the nutritional needs are insufficient is a bad choice for pregnant women.

Try to eat well. Prioritize healthy foods that are high in vitamin C to boost immunity, such as oranges, tomatoes, broccoli, kale, and spinach.

Also meet the needs of zinc by eating foods such as skinless chicken breast, lean red meat, eggs, and beans.

Drink lots of water to relieve sore throat , as well as replace body fluids lost due to fever .

 

4. Sharing Food and Tableware with Others

Influenza is caused by a virus that is highly contagious. That’s why, avoid sharing food and using the same eating utensils with people at home.

It’s important to keep those around you healthy. If necessary, mothers can use masks when with other people to prevent transmission. 

5. Delaying Treatment to the Doctor

Influenza is more likely to cause severe conditions in pregnant women. In addition, changes in the immune system, lungs, and heart during pregnancy make pregnant women more at risk of experiencing severe illness due to flu.

The flu virus can also be harmful to the developing fetus in the mother’s body. That’s why, don’t delay seeing a doctor when you’ve been suffering from flu symptoms for days.

According to the CDC , immediately see a doctor if pregnant women experience the following symptoms:

• difficulty breathing or shortness of breath,
• persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen,
• persistent dizziness, confusion, inability to move limbs,
• seizure,
• not urinating,
• severe muscle pain,
• severe weakness,
• a fever or cough that gets better, but then gets worse,
• high fever that does not respond to medication, and
• reduced or no feeling of movement of the baby.

So, if you are currently suffering from the flu, take a break for a while. Meet nutritional and fluid needs. If needed, immediately consult a doctor to get a prescription drug.