Cough during pregnancy

Women get scared when they cough during pregnancy. It may indicate the course of various pathological processes in the body. Diseases can be dangerous for both the expectant mother and the fetus. Seeing a doctor is a mandatory measure in the event of a spasm of the respiratory tract. At different stages of gestation and with different ailments, certain drugs and procedures are prescribed that help maintain the health of the mother and baby.

What is the danger

Pregnancy and cough are incompatible concepts. Severe bronchospasm provokes tension in all muscles of the body, which leads to an increase in the tone of the uterus. This condition is especially dangerous if the woman is at risk of miscarriage. It is also harmful to the fetus, to which oxygen and nutrients cannot reach in full. And this can cause abnormal development of organs, premature birth at a later date.

Each trimester has its own threats:

• 1st: detachment of the placenta, miscarriage, increased pressure;
• 2nd trimester: phytoplacental insufficiency, which leads to premature birth, miscarriage, improper formation of the endocrine system and fetal bone tissue;
• 3rd trimester: exfoliation of the placenta and its aging, fetal intoxication, rupture of amniotic fluid, premature and complicated labor.

Most often, risks arise not only from the disease, but also from the drugs that are used for treatment. A severe cough during pregnancy, triggered by pneumonia, whooping cough, or other infectious diseases, is especially dangerous.

The therapy used for such disorders is quite aggressive and can negatively affect the development of the fetus. Doctors have to choose between the health of the expectant mother and her baby.

Reasons for the appearance

Cough during pregnancy in most cases is a symptom of viral and bacterial infections transmitted by airborne droplets. It is not recommended for expectant mothers to appear in public places during outbreaks of diseases, this can cause serious consequences. Doctors recommend treating the nasal mucosa with a greasy cream, gargling and washing your hands often.

However, other diseases can also cause spasm:

• allergy;
• reflux disease;
• pulmonary tuberculosis;
• heart failure;
• dysfunction of the thyroid gland;
• tension and stress.

Drug treatment

To prevent undesirable consequences when coughing in pregnant women, only safe drugs are prescribed. They are selected by the attending physician, based on laboratory tests, the clinical picture of the disease, the presence of complications and concomitant ailments, the period of gestation. In the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester, it is allowed to use different means.

Inhalation

Steam inhalation is useful if a cough accompanies a sore throat during pregnancy. Such violations indicate the development of infection in the upper respiratory tract. Healing herbs and infusions will help to eliminate pathogenic microorganisms and soften irritated mucous membranes, the vapors of which can be inhaled through a nebulizer, an electric inhaler or through the spout of a teapot with a paper funnel.

The liquid needs to be cooled to 40ᵒC, the procedure lasts no more than 10 minutes, from 3 to 6 approaches can be done per day.

If your throat hurts and you are worried about coughing during pregnancy, you can use the following medicines:

• sage;
• eucalyptus leaves or oil;
• baking soda;
• Bee Honey.

Rinsing

Direct exposure to drugs on the mucous membranes will help alleviate a cough in a pregnant woman. Rinsing is carried out up to 8 times a day, with the calculation of 1 glass of liquid for 1 procedure.

Infusions and decoctions relieve inflammation, disinfect, remove spasm and soothe irritated walls of the respiratory tract, help eliminate pain. It is necessary to carry out the procedure only after eating, so that the active substances can penetrate into the mucous membranes and create a protective membrane on them.

The following ingredients are used for the preparation of funds:

• soda and boiled water;
• brewed chamomile;
• infusion of lime blossom;
• plantain infusion.

Folk remedies for treatment

You can help eliminate a wet cough or dry women expecting a baby with the help of old folk remedies. All of them are considered safe for the health of the expectant mother, as they do not contain chemicals. However, it should be borne in mind that a pregnant woman may experience an allergic reaction to some components.

The following products will help to alleviate the condition:

1. Honey. The strongest antiseptic, natural antibiotics and excellent immunostimulant. It is used both internally and externally. You can rub with it in the chest and back area, also use it as a compress. A day you need to dissolve 3 tablespoons of honey, it is added to warm tea, medicinal decoctions and infusions, teas.
2. Milk. Natural disinfectant. Indispensable if your throat starts to hurt. Due to its high fat content, the product has enveloping properties, it creates a kind of "shield" on the mucous membrane, which protects it from mechanical and thermal irritation. Milk is taken warm up to 8 times a day, to enhance the effect, honey, alkaline mineral water, figs, butter, sage broth and other medicines are added to it.
3. Onion. The root vegetable is rich in phytoncides, which disinfect, fight against viruses and infections. It can be used as a room sterilizer, as long as the pieces are spread out in the room, and pathogens will be completely exterminated. Also, onion juice is mixed with honey and taken orally.

Precautionary measures

There are medicines and folk remedies that are completely contraindicated for women in position and can cause very serious consequences. Allergic cough during pregnancy and other ailments should be treated only with drugs prescribed by a doctor. There are a number of prohibited medicines:

• "ACC";
• "Glycodin";
• "Gripex";
• "Terpincod";
• Codelac;
• "Ascoril";
• "Bronholitin";
• "Pertusin";
• Alex Plus;
• "Travesil".

You cannot do the following procedures:

• can massage;
• mustard plasters;
• electrotherapy;
• any radiation;
• hot bath;
• steaming feet.

Let's summarize

Any illness that causes coughing requires immediate treatment. Drugs and procedures are prescribed only by a doctor, since there is a high probability of harming the health of a woman or fetus. Correctly chosen therapy minimizes all risks. Take care of yourself and do not self-medicate.