Cough During Pregnancy In The 1,2,3 Trimester, How To Treat A Cough?

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-17 02:10

Cough during pregnancy in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd trimester

Cough is one of the clinical manifestations of colds. It brings a certain inconvenience to every person, and even more so to a woman carrying a child.

The period of pregnancy is a time when a woman's immune system is especially vulnerable, so even short-term contact with a patient with ARVI can lead to infection. Not only infection with viruses, but also slight hypothermia can provoke the development of a cold.

A woman should understand that such a disease as "cough" does not exist. It is a consequence of any disease and is aimed at ridding the respiratory tract of accumulated secretions. In fact, a cough is a reflex of the body, so it is not advisable to treat it. It is necessary to get rid of the cause that caused it. Sometimes it turns out that an allergic reaction is causing the cough.

It is for women who are expecting a baby that coughing during pregnancy is a special problem, since most drugs - expectorant and antitussive - are prohibited during this period. In an attempt to shield the fetus from the chemical effects of the components that make up the drugs that are allowed for pregnant women, the woman refuses even such therapy. Many pregnant women prefer traditional medicine, being confident in their harmlessness and safety. However, some plants have serious side effects and are contraindicated during gestation.

Another common mistake is taking medications intended for the treatment of children under 3 years of age. Their safe medicinal activity for newborn babies can harm the baby in the womb. Of course, cough treatment should not be abandoned, but each drug should be recommended by a doctor.

Content:

• Why is a cough during pregnancy dangerous?
• Cough during pregnancy 1 trimester
• Cough during pregnancy 2 trimester
• Cough during pregnancy 3 trimester
• Physiotherapy cough treatment
• How to treat a cough during pregnancy in the 2nd and 3rd trimester?
• List of drugs that are categorically contraindicated in any month of pregnancy
• Folk remedies for cough during pregnancy
• Prevention of cough during pregnancy

Why is a cough during pregnancy dangerous?

It is not worth leaving a cough during pregnancy without attention, since it, most often, is the result of a viral or bacterial infection that has affected the respiratory system. This condition is dangerous both for the patient herself and for the unborn child. An intrauterine infection may develop, premature birth may occur, or a miscarriage, the fetus may develop malformations, etc.

In addition, the pregnant woman may not know, but the cough reflex itself is dangerous. It contributes to an increase in the tone of the uterus, which, in turn, threatens a miscarriage, or oxygen starvation of the fetus and the development of various changes in its body against this background. If a deviation such as placenta previa or its low location is identified, then a cough during pregnancy can become a provocateur of uterine bleeding. (Read also: Causes of bleeding during pregnancy, how to stop?)

Any severe attack of coughing can provoke nausea or vomiting, which makes toxicosis even more severe (if, of course, the woman suffers from it).

Cough during pregnancy 1 trimester

The first months of pregnancy are accompanied by reduced immunity, therefore, a pregnant woman is obliged to monitor her health and, if even a slight malaise occurs, urgently take measures to eliminate the focus of the disease, otherwise the future baby may suffer. Cough can be caused by infections of the ENT organs and respiratory tract. Sometimes a cough occurs with overexertion or stress, stomach upset, smoking. Allergies also cannot be ruled out from cough provocateurs, especially if there is a regular exposure to the allergen.

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At the time of coughing, the abdominal wall is overstrained and, as a result, the uterus strains. Cough, recurring in the form of seizures, which is prolonged and frequent, increases the tone of the uterus. This process spoils the blood supply to the fetus, that is, disrupts the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the fetus. In the first trimester, coughing threatens the development of hypoxia, placental abruption, increased pressure and the worst option - miscarriage.

Colds are terrible with complications and pathologies, changes in organs that form in an infant during the period of illness. The development of a cold in the tenth week of pregnancy is less dangerous than in the first weeks of fetal formation. Rubella, among other viral infections, is particularly dangerous. Pneumonia and bronchitis are possible complications of coughing. The danger of these diseases lies in the effect on the development of the fetus and treatment with potent drugs. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor on time, who will select a rational treatment with an effective result.

To begin with, the doctor will try to prescribe the most gentle means in the fight against cough. If they do not help, then it will be necessary to start treatment with drugs. Their reception is postponed for the longest possible period, since there is always the possibility of an individual intolerance to a particular drug.

Some pregnant women are trying to get rid of their cough with lozenges, which are readily available in every pharmacy. However, you will not be able to get much benefit from them. Almost all of them contain eucalyptus and mint extracts, preservatives, flavors and sweeteners. Lollipops can help relieve a cough during pregnancy, but only for a short period, which means that a woman will consume them in large quantities.

With a dry cough, a pregnant woman can use the following drugs (first trimester):

Dietary supplements and vitamins	Synthetic drugs	Homeopathy
For free admission	Eucabal, Marshmallow Root Syrup, Mukaltin	Mamavit, Pregnacare, Bifidophilus Flora Force	No	Stodal (When applying, it should be borne in mind that every 15 ml of syrup contains 0.206 g of ethanol), Pulsatilla, Broncho-Gran
The use is possible, however, the effect of these funds on the child in the womb is not known exactly	Bronchicum, Doctor Mom, Gedelix, Herbion	No	No	No
Prescription is possible provided that the benefit to the woman exceeds the possible harm to the child	No	No	Libexin	No

With a wet cough, a pregnant woman can use the following means (first trimester):

Dietary supplements and vitamins	Synthetic drugs	Homeopathy
For free admission	Dr. Theiss, Bronchipret (allergic reactions possible)	Mamavit, Pregnacare, Bifidophilus Flora Force	No	Stodal (When applying, it should be borne in mind that every 15 ml of syrup contains 0.206 g of ethanol), Pulsatilla, Broncho-Gran
The use is possible, however, the effect of these funds on the child in the womb is not known exactly	Bronchipret, Bronchicum, Linkas	No	No	No

Cough during pregnancy 2 trimester

The concern of a woman who falls ill during pregnancy is considered natural, because any illness can affect the baby, and caring for him is the most important task of parents. Diseases that occur at different stages of pregnancy have a different effect on the health of the child and mother. A woman whose pregnancy has reached the second trimester (12-24 weeks after conception) may calm down somewhat. A cough as a result of a viral infection at this time cannot inflict as strong a blow as at the beginning of pregnancy.

The fetus is already protected by the placenta, which serves as a conduit for nutrients and oxygen. The placenta plays the role of a barrier between the child and the negative impact of the outside world, but a cold can hit this barrier too. As a result of fetoplacental insufficiency, when difficulties arise in the supply of nutrition and oxygen to the fetus, there is a risk of premature birth and then the baby will be born with low weight. The nervous system, which is actively developing in the second trimester, can be negatively affected.

Diseases at 14 weeks are dangerous with the likelihood of miscarriage or negative changes in the endocrine system, at 16-17 - improper formation of bone tissue. It is important to understand that the presence of a cough during the described period of pregnancy serves as a signal that draws attention to the problem that has arisen. It is dangerous for a woman to use self-medication. Traditional methods or homeopathy can also be dangerous for pregnant women. Only a doctor will assess her condition and prescribe the necessary treatment.

Cough during pregnancy 3 trimester

The consolation factor is that diseases in the last stage of pregnancy are less dangerous than at the initial stage, but, nevertheless, they should be avoided. In the last weeks, the placenta is characterized by aging and permeability to various viruses, that is, the fetus has no opportunity to get sick, but the toxins and medications taken by the mother have the ability to penetrate the placenta. Viral diseases in the 3rd trimester also affect the function of the placenta, its premature aging begins and the fetus loses its protection.

A cough, being a sign of a disease, can affect the active production of breast milk in a woman, since placental hormones are responsible for this. When coughing, there is a possibility of the onset of premature or complicated labor, exfoliation of the placenta and outpouring of water near the fetus. At 37 weeks, infection can enter the amniotic fluid that is often consumed by the fetus. That is why gynecologists insist that women who are in the last months of pregnancy regularly donate blood and urine for analysis.

This measure allows you to monitor the health of the mother and child. In order to avoid viral infections in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, it is recommended to reduce the number of visits to crowded places, get more rest, eat wisely and start preparing for childbirth.

How to treat a cough during pregnancy in the 2nd and 3rd trimester?

The last two trimesters are the time when the formation of the child's systems and organs is completed. These changes prepare the fetus to enter an independent life. Therefore, even at this time, the use of any medicines is not recommended, however, the restrictions are no longer as strict as in the first months.

To get rid of dry cough in the third and second trimester of pregnancy, the following may be recommended:

Dietary supplements and vitamins	Synthetic drugs	Homeopathy
For free admission	Mukaltin, marshmallow root syrup, Eucabal, Bronchipret (allergic reactions are possible)	Mamavit, Pregnacare, Bifidophilus Flora Force	Coldrex Knight (contains paracetamol, which is used only if the temperature rises above 38)	Stodal, Broncho-gran, Pulsatilla
The use is possible, however, the effect of these funds on the child in the womb is not known exactly	Bronchicum and Gedelix	No	Falimint	No
Prescription is possible provided that the benefit to the woman exceeds the possible harm to the child	No	No	Libeksin, Bromhexin, Akodin, Stopussin	No

To get rid of a wet cough in the third and second trimester of pregnancy, the following may be recommended:

Dietary supplements and vitamins	Synthetic drugs	Homeopathy
For free admission	Dr. Thais, Prospan, Stopussin-Fito Syrup	Mamavit, Pregnacare, Bifidophilus Flora Force	Tussin	Pulsatilla, Stodal, Broncho Gran
The use is possible, however, the effect of these funds on the child in the womb is not known exactly	Bronchicum, Bronchipret, Linkas, Herbion	No	No	No
Prescription is possible provided that the benefit to the woman exceeds the possible harm to the child	No	No	Fluifort, Ambroxol	No

Physiotherapy cough treatment

If you turn to such a non-drug method of treatment as physiotherapy, then for pregnant women it will be the most optimal. When carrying a child, it is permissible to use inhalation and gargling.

The following procedures will be prohibited:

• Placement of cans;
• Warming up with mustard plasters;
• Exposure to any radiation;
• Taking hot baths;
• The use of steam baths for the lower extremities;
• Electrotherapy.

It is better if a woman will perform simple physiotherapy techniques at home, since visiting a clinic always carries the risk of catching an additional infection.

Inhalation

For inhalation, a woman must use a nebulizer.

Before starting breathing procedures, it is worth remembering the following rules:

• Body temperature should be within normal limits.
• You should breathe therapeutic vapors for no more than 10 minutes. The number of approaches can be from 3 to 6.
• The temperature of the solution itself for inhalation should not exceed 40 ° C.
• After the procedure, you should stop talking and eating for 30 minutes.

It is permissible to use as an inhalation solution for the treatment of cough:

• Sage grass (20 g) + a glass of boiling water - the solution is cooled to the required temperature.
• Eucalyptus leaves (10) + chopped garlic (10 g) + boiling water (1 l) - the solution is cooled to the permissible temperature.
• Baking soda (50 g) + boiling water (1 L) - the solution is cooled to 40 ° C before use.
• Bee honey (10 g) + a glass of warm water - no need to cool.
• List of solutions for nebulizers.

Rinsing

The agent with which the woman will gargle must be freshly prepared and cooled to the required temperature. Dosage: 1 rinse - 1 glass of solution, there can be up to eight approaches, it is important to perform the procedure after a meal.

Pregnant women can use the following solutions:

• A glass of boiling water + 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
• Chamomile flowers + a glass of boiling water.
• Linden blossom + a glass of boiling water.
• Plantain leaves + a glass of boiling water.

All medicinal herbs are taken in the amount of 10 g.

List of drugs that are categorically contraindicated in any month of pregnancy

• Tussin plus
• Glycodine
• Gripex
• Codelac
• Terpincode
• Bronchodilator
• ACC
• Pertussin
• Ascoril
• Jocet
• Travisil
• Alex plus
• Codterpin
• Thermopsis

Plants that can harm the fetus and the woman (they can not be used either in pure form or as part of preparations):

• St. John's wort helps to reduce the effect of analgesics and may affect the effectiveness of anesthesia when performing a caesarean section;
• Mother-and-stepmother, medicinal comfrey can cause fetal mutations, have a carcinogenic effect due to the incorporation of pyrrolizidine.
• Ginseng, Eleutherococcus, and Echinacea increase blood pressure and are often allergic.
• Ginkgo biloba can lead to uterine bleeding due to its blood clotting properties.

Folk remedies for cough during pregnancy

The first and most important rule for using folk remedies is a preliminary consultation with a doctor. A woman should carefully monitor the reaction of her body. In the event of an individual intolerance, treatment should be abandoned immediately.

Honey

Honey can be applied both externally and internally. honey will allow you to convert a dry cough into a productive one. However, coughing up phlegm is also possible with honey. It just makes it easier for her to clear her throat.

External use of honey:

• Light rubbing with beekeeping product in the chest area. The procedure must be performed twice a day - after waking up and before going to bed.
• The imposition of a compress on the chest. It is worth performing the procedure at night and withstand the compress until you wake up. The insulating material for the compress is cling film or parchment.

Internal use of honey:

• Three times a day you need to dissolve a teaspoon of honey. This is done before meals.
• Add a teaspoon of the product while taking any warmed drink.
• Three times a day, take 2 tablespoons of a mixture of honey and black radish juice (one to two).

Do not forget about the strong allergenic properties of honey, and if any reaction unusual for a woman appears, you should refuse such treatment.

Milk

• Drinking the drink warm will soften the throat, will help reduce coughing, and will also have a positive effect on the nervous system. It should be consumed warm and drunk in small sips.
• For better sputum discharge, the drink can be mixed in the same proportion with any alkaline mineral water. The main thing is that it should be without adding gas.
• The drink can be boiled with sage. For 300 ml of milk, you need to take 1 tablespoon of the herb. Drink the resulting remedy before a night's rest.
• Four dried figs are boiled in 600 ml of milk. Cook until the drink turns dark. You need to take up to three times a day in a heated form. Dosage - 100 g.

Garlic and onion

These two gifts of nature are known to everyone as disinfectants that can destroy viruses and bacteria:

• Shredded, these two vegetables are laid out on plates and placed in the room, which must be disinfected.
• The juice of each vegetable can be used separately. To obtain it, the vegetable is crushed and mixed with a spoonful of honey. The mixture is filtered after 30 minutes. You need to take 1 teaspoon up to 3 times a day.

Prevention of cough during pregnancy

In order not to cure a cough during pregnancy and to get rid of unnecessary worries about this, it is best to take care of your own health and make sure that the disease does not occur.

• Contact with sick people is prohibited.
• When visiting places with a large crowd of people, it is advisable to lubricate the nasal mucosa with oxalic ointment or other fatty cream, while keeping your mouth closed.
• Rinsing the nose, washing hands, gargling with saline or boiled water are mandatory procedures that a woman must perform after visiting public places.
• Remember to humidify the air and ventilate the room.
• It is advisable to take walks in the fresh air every day. Better if it is a forest or park, the air in which is saturated with phytoncides.
• If symptoms of the disease occur, you should immediately seek medical help.
• It is important to avoid hypothermia and overheating, as well as avoid climate change and long-term travel.

Author of the article: Alekseeva Maria Yurievna | Therapist

Education: From 2010 to 2016 Practitioner of the therapeutic hospital of the central medical-sanitary unit No. 21, city of elektrostal. Since 2016 she has been working in the diagnostic center No. 3.