Solutions, Symptoms, Prevention and Remedies of Flu in Pregnant Women

Flu symptoms in pregnant women are similar to others in general, namely coughing, sore throat, runny nose and high fever. Not infrequently other symptoms appear such as fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and pain in the body.

However, flu during pregnancy has a higher risk of complications, for example, bronchitis and pneumonia. Besides, it is feared that the flu can affect the growth of the baby so that it can cause premature labor or low birth weight.

Handling the Flu Naturally

In treating flu during pregnancy, in addition to taking the medication, you can handle it naturally, such as drinking water or juice, consuming sore throat and plenty of rest. 

To relieve nasal congestion, place an air humidifier in the room, or it could be a hot shower. Meanwhile, to ease a cough or sore throat, rinse with warm water mixed with a little salt. Eating warm foods such as chicken soup is also believed to help relieve inflammation while relieving nasal congestion.

Safe Ways to Take Flu Medicines for Pregnant Women

Consumption of cold medicine for pregnant women is not recommended, especially in the first 12 weeks, which is a crucial period of development of the baby's vital organs. Some doctors even forbid the use of cold medicine for pregnant women up to 28 weeks' gestation.

Some types of medicines are considered safe after pregnancy past the 12th week. The thing to remember, avoid medications that can overcome several symptoms at once. It is better to choose one medicine to deal with the one really disturbing symptom.

To relieve pain and fever, the medicine that can be consumed is paracetamol. As for the consumption of remedy that can ease flu symptoms, such as sneezing, nasal congestion, and cough, you should consult a doctor, so as not to interfere with pregnancy and the fetus.

5 Natural Remedies for Natural Pregnant Women Flu Symptoms

It is better to use natural medicines to overcome the flu problem in pregnant women. Here are natural remedies that can be used:

1. Ginger

Ginger can be a natural remedy that mothers can use to deal with the flu problem. Ginger can make your breathing much more relaxed and prevent the mother from the flu virus that is spreading. Ginger contains zingiberene essential oil, gingerol, minerals and natural antioxidants which have benefits for reducing flu symptoms. Not only that, amino acids and minerals in ginger content can also improve the blood circulation of pregnant women.

2. Honey

Consuming honey when you have the flu is the right way for pregnant women. You can mix honey with other warm drink mixes, for example, mixing honey with ginger water or cinnamon water stew.

Honey contains antibacterial properties in it so that it can treat flu viruses in the body. Not only that, honey also contains antioxidants that can fight viruses, bacteria and fungi.

Not only to fight the flu virus, honey also has many benefits for pregnant women. The nutritional content of honey is carbohydrates, protein, fatty acids, calcium, folic acid, and several types of vitamins.

3. Garlic

Garlic is one of the natural medicines that mothers can use to treat flu during pregnancy. When pregnant, you should consume only one garlic in one day. Garlic contains vitamin C and minerals such as selenium, enzymes, and sulfur compounds that are very good for curing the flu naturally.

Garlic can strengthen the immune system, can be used as an antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidant, and also can expedite the respiratory system.

4. Lemon and Lime

The content of vitamin C in lemons and lime juice is certainly not in doubt. Vitamin C contained in lemons and lime in fact, also contains antibacterial. Therefore, lemons and lime are very efficient to restore the health of pregnant women from flu and cough.

But it should be noted, pregnant women who have the gastric disease should mix lemon water and lime juice with other warm drinks. For example, you can mix lime or lemon flavorings with honey.

5. Green Beans Water

Green bean cooking water contains a lot of vitamins in it. Green bean cooking water can increase the body immunity and prevent disease, one of which is flu. You can add a little milk or a low natural sugar to get a sweet taste. Consumption of green bean water when it is still warm.

Symptoms of the Flu to be aware of pregnant women

Flu in pregnancy can have an impact on your health as well as babies in the womb. The condition of pregnant women when suffering from flu should immediately get the help of a doctor, or medical expert, among them, are:

1. The flu shows no signs of improving after four days.
2. Difficulty breathing.
3. High fever.
4. Chest pain.
5. Cough with thick, yellowish-green or bloody phlegm.
6. Abdominal pain.

Tips for Preventing Flu in Pregnant Women

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Therefore, before the flu strikes, it will be far better to maintain a healthy body. One of them by taking vitamins for pregnant women. In addition, they also make other prevention efforts, such as:

• Get a flu shot as soon as possible, according to doctor's instructions. Because new immunity will develop a few weeks after getting the vaccine. Not only protect, this vaccine also helps protect your child from the flu until six months after birth.
• Wash your hands more regularly, including before eating, after sneezing, and after going to the bathroom. When doing this, use the correct hand washing technique. Rub your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds and rinse with enough water. If you are outside the house and there is no soap and water, you can use disposable wipes or hand sanitizers that contain at least 60 per cent alcohol.
• Avoid holding coughing or sneezing directly with your palm. Because, this habit makes the virus spread on the hands, and then spread everywhere. If forced to hold a cough and sneeze with your palm, wash your hands thoroughly immediately.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with your hands before washing them. Looks like your hands are clean, but that's not necessarily the case. Daily activities such as touching a doorknob, glass, refrigerator handle, or other objects, might make the virus move into the hands.
• On hard surfaces, viruses and bacteria can live between two and eight. So, as much as possible, clean the surface of objects at home such as bedside tables, doorknobs, telephones, bathtubs, and kitchens with disinfectants on a regular basis. To stay safe, follow the instructions for use listed on the product label.
• During pregnancy, avoid being close to people who are sick. This will help reduce the risk of catching a cold during pregnancy.
• Meet your daily nutritional needs and the fetus. One of them by consuming milk for pregnant and lactating mothers is rich in nutrients.

Flu in pregnant women should be treated with caution. If symptoms worsen or interfere, consult a doctor immediately. Consumption of cold medicine for pregnant women only if deemed necessary and should always be under the supervision of a doctor.