Pregnant women tend to be more susceptible to diseases, including colds. Although it does not harm the fetus, this condition can still interfere with pregnant women's activities. Therefore, let's find out the causes and how to overcome them.
Colds can occur 2-3 times a year in adults, and usually this condition will quickly improve within a few days to a week. But in pregnant women, colds can occur more often and last longer.
Causes of Pregnant Women Vulnerable to Colds
Pregnancy is a condition that can drain the body's energy. In addition, the immune level will naturally decrease during pregnancy. This mechanism is carried out by the body to protect the future fetus from being attacked by the immune system because it is 'suspected' of a foreign object. In certain cases, colds can also be caused by sinusitis during pregnancy.
Both of these things make pregnant women susceptible to disease. Therefore, pregnant women need to be more careful in maintaining a healthy body, so they are not easily exposed to various diseases, including colds.
How to Overcome a Cold During Pregnancy Naturally
Some of the following easy ways pregnant women can do when they have a cold, so that colds are quickly resolved and don't happen again:
1. Increase rest time
When a cold, pregnant women need more rest. This is necessary so that the immune system of pregnant women is able to work optimally, so that they recover faster. Apart from sleeping at night, pregnant women can also take a nap or just sit and rest between work or activities.
2. Increase fluid intake
Every day, pregnant women are advised to drink about 2.5 - 3 liters of water, or the equivalent of 10-12 medium-sized glasses. In addition to mineral water, juice or broth soup can also be an alternative source of additional fluids.
3. Eat fruits and vegetables
Pregnant women are recommended to complement a healthy diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables. Mango, avocado, banana, apple, broccoli, and green vegetables can be an option for pregnant women to consume, because they contain many vitamins and antioxidants that can speed up recovery.
4. Limiting contact with sufferers
If you live at home or are close to someone who has a cold, ask that person to wear a mask. If you are in a public place or public facility, such as public transportation, pregnant women are recommended to wear a mask so as not to contract germs in the air.
In addition, pregnant women are also advised to wash their hands with clean water and soap after contact with people who have colds, or take a shower after a day of activities outside the home.
5. Exercise regularly
Pregnancy is not an excuse not to exercise. As long as pregnant women are healthy, exercise can still be done. This habit can help boost the immune system. Types of exercise that are safe for pregnant women include walking, gymnastics, and yoga.
6. Drink warm tea with honey and lemon
In addition to making the body feel more comfortable, this method can also help relieve a sore throat that often accompanies a cold. Alternatively, gargling with warm water mixed with salt can also have a similar effect.
Pregnant women are not recommended to overcome colds by taking over-the-counter medicines, without a doctor's recommendation. Many cold medicines contain that pregnant women should not take without a doctor's approval, such as decongestants, antihistamines, aspirin, and ibuprofen. These types of drugs may have side effects on the fetus.
Colds during pregnancy are common. However, if the complaint does not improve or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, extreme fatigue, high fever, or vomiting, pregnant women are advised to seek medical attention immediately. Doctors can perform examinations and provide safe treatment for pregnant women.