That cold could risk your pregnancy
Mar 14, 2008
YOU sneeze and breathe so hard. That runny nose is putting you down. And if you are pregnant, it certainly, is too much to handle. While colds are generally perceived as minor, every pregnant woman is advised to take extra precaution - not just for her own safety, but also for the baby.
By Carol Natukunda
Symptoms include a runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, sore throat and general weakness
YOU sneeze and breathe so hard. That runny nose is putting you down. And if you are pregnant, it certainly, is too much to handle. While colds are generally perceived as minor, every pregnant woman is advised to take extra precaution - not just for her own safety, but also for the baby.
Colds are viral infections of the respiratory system, according to Dr. Patel Prakash, a gynaecologist at Endoscopy Clinic at Kisozi House, Kampala.
The symptoms range from a runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, sore throat, difficulty in breathing, loss of appetite and general weakness among others.
Prakash cautions that there are so many drugs on the market, which may not be safe.
“Using panadol is the safest medication,†he says “But still, always ask your doctor before taking any medication to be sure it will be safe for your baby and your own health. It could be something more than a cold – fever, pneumonia and so on,†Prakash explains.
The other remedy is to drink a lot of water and fruit juices. As doctors explain, having a runny nose and teary eyes means you are losing a lot of water, and essential salts and sugars.
“They need to be replaced, otherwise, you will be dehydrated and your immunity will be weakened, making you prone to other diseases. Remember your unborn baby is feeding on the nutrients in your body,†Prakash says.
Some people always prefer to do steam inhalation. They pour hot water in a bucket, bend to breathe in the hot steam that is evaporating. Prakash agrees that this, too, works if it is done about five times a day. This method does not only curb colds and nasal irritation, but also sinus inflamation and allergic reactions.
So what if, after two days, for instance, the cold hasn’t cured? “It’s best you see a gynaecologist and not self medicate,†Prakash warns.
Remember that when you are pregnant, life is no longer just about you.
Top Tips
Preventing the cold
l Take care of your health by eating right
l Avoid stuffy places; keep in ventilated places
l Get at least seven hours of rest everyday to boost your immunity
l Take water and Vitamin C rich foods like lemons, passion fruits pineapple and oranges
Compiled by Carol Natukunda
Symptoms include a runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, sore throat and general weakness
YOU sneeze and breathe so hard. That runny nose is putting you down. And if you are pregnant, it certainly, is too much to handle. While colds are generally perceived as minor, every pregnant woman is advised to take extra precaution - not just for her own safety, but also for the baby.
Colds are viral infections of the respiratory system, according to Dr. Patel Prakash, a gynaecologist at Endoscopy Clinic at Kisozi House, Kampala.
The symptoms range from a runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, sore throat, difficulty in breathing, loss of appetite and general weakness among others.
Prakash cautions that there are so many drugs on the market, which may not be safe.
“Using panadol is the safest medication,†he says “But still, always ask your doctor before taking any medication to be sure it will be safe for your baby and your own health. It could be something more than a cold – fever, pneumonia and so on,†Prakash explains.
The other remedy is to drink a lot of water and fruit juices. As doctors explain, having a runny nose and teary eyes means you are losing a lot of water, and essential salts and sugars.
“They need to be replaced, otherwise, you will be dehydrated and your immunity will be weakened, making you prone to other diseases. Remember your unborn baby is feeding on the nutrients in your body,†Prakash says.
Some people always prefer to do steam inhalation. They pour hot water in a bucket, bend to breathe in the hot steam that is evaporating. Prakash agrees that this, too, works if it is done about five times a day. This method does not only curb colds and nasal irritation, but also sinus inflamation and allergic reactions.
So what if, after two days, for instance, the cold hasn’t cured? “It’s best you see a gynaecologist and not self medicate,†Prakash warns.
Remember that when you are pregnant, life is no longer just about you.
Top Tips
Preventing the cold
l Take care of your health by eating right
l Avoid stuffy places; keep in ventilated places
l Get at least seven hours of rest everyday to boost your immunity
l Take water and Vitamin C rich foods like lemons, passion fruits pineapple and oranges
Compiled by Carol Natukunda