Pregnancy is a time of joy and anticipation, but it also puts a lot of stress on a woman's immune system. Getting the flu is a common problem, and it might get worse when you're pregnant. You can usually take care of moderate flu symptoms at home, but some signals may mean you need to see a doctor.

To keep both the mother and the baby healthy, it's important to know when to get aid. This article talks about why the flu can be worse during pregnancy, what to look out for, and when you should see a doctor.

Why the flu can be more serious during pregnancy

The immune system naturally decreases a little during pregnancy to let the baby grow. This change helps keep the body from rejecting the fetus, but it also makes pregnant women more likely to get infections, such as the flu.

Other physiological changes also contribute:

• Hormonal changes: Changes in hormones can modify how the body reacts to viral infections.

• Cardiovascular strain: Pregnancy raises heart rate and blood volume, which can make flu symptoms worse.
  
  

• Respiratory changes: The developing uterus can push on the lungs, making them smaller and making it difficult to breathe when you're sick.

Because of these changes, a moderate disease in a non-pregnant adult can become more serious during pregnancy.

Early signs of flu to monitor

Recognizing flu symptoms early will help save things from getting worse. Some common indicators are

• Fever that comes on suddenly

• Body pains and chills

• Tiredness and weakness

• Coughing and sore throat

• A nose that is runny or plugged

• Pain in the head

If a doctor or midwife says it's okay, you can frequently treat mild symptoms at home with rest, drinks, and paracetamol. But you should never overlook symptoms that get worse or don't go away throughout pregnancy.

When medical care becomes essential

Some flu symptoms are serious and need to be looked at by a doctor right away. The Finnish health guidance article on when to see a doctor for the flu during pregnancy says that the following warning signals mean it's time to call a doctor:

• A high fever that doesn't go away (above 38°C) not getting better with paracetamol

• Chest pain, trouble breathing, or shortness of breath

• Severe vomiting that makes it unable to keep fluids down

• Signs of dehydration include feeling dizzy, not urinating as much, or having a dry mouth.

• Being confused, disoriented, or unusually sleepy

• Less or strange movement of the fetus
  
  

If you get medical help right away, the flu won't turn into pneumonia, bronchitis, or other serious respiratory problems that are more likely to happen during pregnancy.

Risks of untreated flu in pregnancy

Not treating the illness might hurt both the mother and the baby. These dangers are

• Maternal complications: Increased likelihood of pneumonia, bronchitis, or hospitalization

• Fetal complications: Higher chance of giving birth early or having a baby with a low birth weight

• Severe dehydration: Severe dehydration can change the quantity of amniotic fluid and the way the placenta works.

• Fever-related risks: Some developmental difficulties may be connected to having high fevers for a long time in the first trimester.
  
  

Because of these hazards, doctors normally tell people to be safe and get help if they are unsure about how bad their symptoms are.

What doctors might do

If you're pregnant and have flu-like symptoms, your doctor will probably:

• Check important indications, including blood pressure, temperature, and oxygen saturation.

• Check the chest to make sure there is no pneumonia.

• Suggest safe drugs to lower fever and treat symptoms

• Give antiviral drugs (if they are needed and prescribed early).

• Keep an eye on the health of your unborn child, especially if you are in the latter few weeks of pregnancy.

This care keeps both the mother and infant safe and makes sure the condition is treated correctly.

Preventive steps during flu season

The greatest strategy to lower the risk of flu complications during pregnancy is to avoid getting sick. Helpful tips are:

• Getting the flu vaccine is safe at any time during pregnancy and protects both the mother and the baby.
  
  

• Washing hands frequently: Washing your hands often stops the transmission of germs.

• Avoiding sick contacts: Limit exposure to people showing flu-like symptoms.
  
  

• Eating well and staying hydrated: Not getting in touch with sick people:Stay away from those who have flu-like symptoms as much as possible.

• Getting enough rest: Eating healthily and drinking enough water helps the immune system work.

The guidelines about flu during pregnancy also emphasize the importance of vaccination and hygiene to reduce risk.

When to call emergency services

In rare situations, the flu can be dangerous for pregnant women. If you have any of the following, you should call emergency services right away:

• Having a lot of trouble breathing or gasping for air.

• Chest pain or pressure that is getting worse or is very bad.

• Lips or face that are blue.

• Severe disorientation, convulsions, or syncope.

• Signs of labor include consistent contractions or bleeding accompanied by flu-like symptoms.
  
  

You need to get medical help right away for these symptoms to preserve your life and your baby's health.

Supporting recovery at home

If your symptoms are moderate and your doctor says it's okay to heal at home, you should focus on:

• Taking medicines that your doctor says are okay

• Getting as much rest as you can

• Getting a lot of fluids

• Eating modest, healthy meals
  
  

• Checking your temperature and the baby's movements every day
  
  

Always tell your doctor or midwife if your symptoms change or get worse while you are recovering.

Conclusion

Flu during pregnancy can be hard to predict, and what seems mild might soon turn into something deadly. If you know the warning signs and obtain medical treatment right away, you can avoid problems for both you and your baby. During flu season, you can keep yourself and your baby healthy by being aware of symptoms, following your doctor's recommendations, and putting prevention first.

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