Common during pregnancy, colds often cause sudden sneezing. If they are sometimes impressive, they are safe for the well-protected fetus in the womb of its mother. How to manage a cold during pregnancy and treat it? The answers of Professor Cyril Huissoud, of the National College of French Gynecologists and Obstetricians.
Frequent in winter, colds of viral origin also affect future mothers who do not know how to deal with them and who are worried about the risk of miscarriage caused by sneezing. But they are safe would like to reassure Professor Cyril Huissoud, Secretary General of the National College of French Gynecologists and Obstetricians for obstetrics issues.
Are viral colds more common during pregnancy?
The immune system during pregnancy is certainly impacted but it has no consequences for this type of infection.
Absolutely not. “No studies show an increase and greater severity of colds during pregnancy. the immune system during pregnancy is certainly impacted but it has no consequences for this type of infection“, explains Professor Huissoud who adds that colds are still quite mysterious. “We do not know why the winter period is conducive to their development, but pregnant women are not more affected.“, he adds.
Is it normal to have a pregnant lower abdomen when you sneeze?
A sneeze is a semi-autonomous or involuntary exhalation caused by a sudden movement of the expiratory muscles and in particular the intercostal muscles. Sneezing can therefore sometimes be painful during pregnancy. due to the pressure exerted by the movements of these muscles on the ligaments surrounding the uterus, which are increasingly stretched as the term approaches. But you don’t have to worry about that.
Are sneezing dangerous for the fetus?
Classic symptoms of common cold, sneezing has no impact on fetal development and is not associated with a higher risk of miscarriage. “At the end of pregnancy, the fetus perceive the movements as those caused by a sneeze but these are without consequences“, confirms Professor Huissoud. On the other hand, cough is more problematic in case of bronchitis or laryngitis. “In a patient with a normal uterus, the cough is of no consequence. On the other hand, it is more problematic in future mothers whose cervix is very open with known cervical weakness. Repeated cough-induced downward thrusts are therefore problematic in women who are at risk of late miscarriage or premature delivery.“, emphasizes Professor Huissoud
Sneezing has no impact on fetal development and is not associated with a higher risk of miscarriage.
No medicine can shorten the duration of a cold. “It is preferred not to give vasocontrictors such as ephedrine or pseudoephedrine to pregnant women because they can close the placental vessels. The treatment of a cold is based on the administration of paracetemol. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen are strictly contraindicated because they cause potentially serious problems in the baby.. Nose washing with saline solution is also recommended.“, explains Professor Huissoud.
When to consult?
“A pregnant woman who has a fever should consult. She should also go to her doctor if she has sinusitis that needs to be treated with antibiotics. It is manifested by localized pain on either side of the nose, fever, pain in this area and a dirty nose.“. explains Professor Huissoud.