For many couples, pregnancy is an exciting time as they anticipate the arrival of their new baby. This period of great significance not only symbolizes the love between the parents-to-be, but also the introduction of another human being into the world.
Pregnant women need to take extra good care of themselves. Remember, you are not just taking care of yourself; you are also taking care of your unborn baby. The immune system of an expecting mother is weakened, and therefore, she becomes susceptible to myriad medical problems.
Pregnant women are especially susceptible to colds and coughs, which can lead to more serious conditions such as bronchitis. Therefore, it’s important for pregnant women to take special care to avoid catching a cold.
Bronchitis is a condition where the bronchioles become inflamed. Its symptoms are very similar to a common cold. If you are pregnant, you should try to avoid any conditions that might give you a cold.
Simple Ways to Prevent Bronchitis
To avoid contracting bronchitis, it is essential that you prevent yourself from catching its symptoms. In other words, you must take care not to catch a cold, and here is how you can avoid catching colds and coughs:
Wash your hands regularly and often, especially before eating or after being in a public place.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay away from sick people as much as possible.
Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough.
Don’t share drinks or eating utensils with others.
Clean surfaces that may be contaminated with germs.
How Does Bronchitis Impact a Pregnant Woman?
Bronchitis can have several impacts on a pregnant woman.
A persistent cough is one of the symptoms of bronchitis. While it won’t harm your baby, it can cause a lot of discomfort and annoyance to you.
Women who have a fever higher than 38.9 degrees Celsius while pregnant are at a greater risk of giving birth to a baby with defects, according to medical studies. So, if you experience a high fever while pregnant, it could potentially impact your baby in negative ways.
Pregnancy can come with a lot of annoying symptoms, like a cold, throat pain, and chest pain. But if you catch them early, they shouldn’t cause any harm to your baby.
Steps to be Taken if You Notice Symptoms of Bronchitis
If you’re experiencing symptoms of bronchitis, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to prevent the condition from worsening. You should also be aware of the possible discomfort that bronchitis can cause for pregnant women and take steps to avoid it.
Drinking plenty of non-caffeinated fluids will help to ease mucus secretion. This is especially important for pregnant women suffering from bronchitis, who should drink plenty of water, fresh fruit juice, and soups.
If you’re suffering from a cold, one way to help yourself is by placing a humidifier in your house. This will help to prevent stuffiness in your nose.
You can also use saline drops to clear mucus and prevent stuffiness.
Another helpful tip is to take a warm shower daily. Studies have shown that a warm shower not only clears mucus but also prevents stuffiness in the nose.
Finally, make sure you’re taking plenty of rest and relaxation. This is of utmost importance when you’re feeling under the weather.
If your cold symptoms persist, visit your obstetrician or gynecologist and talk to him or her about your condition.
Medicines for Bronchitis
Pregnant women commonly use decongestants to help manage and control their colds and allergies. Expectorants and cough suppressants are available to help pregnant women who are dealing with the discomfort of coughing. Although it is not possible to avoid medicines altogether when pregnant, using these common treatments can help pregnant women feel better.
It’s always best to consult with your doctor before taking any medication, especially if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, in order to minimize any potential risks to you and your child.
