Beat the flu

Being unwell during pregnancy can open a huge can of worms. From creating a dangerous environment for the unborn baby to risks to the expectant mum, illness can take quite an ugly turn. M&B shows you how with just a little care, you can be on top of the game

If morning sickness, indigestion, backache and a swollen body weren’t enough to contend with, you also have to deal with a weakened immune system during pregnancy. Yeah, being pregnant is not easy.

FIRST THINGS FIRST—MEDICATION

If you fall sick during your pregnancy, it’s going to be doubly harrowing for you. You’ll not only be concerned about your health, but about your baby’s well-being too. Anything you eat or drink is going to be shared by your baby and that includes medication too.

Before you pop that painkiller or take that cough syrup, remember that your growing foetus is going to ingest that medicine through your bloodstream. Take medicines as a last resort and only after consulting your doctor. “For about 70 days after conception, we generally don’t prescribe any medication except paracetamol,” says Dr Rao. The common aspirin and ibuprofen are not safe to be taken during pregnancy. They might harm your baby or affect its growth. Antibiotics will also affect your baby though your doctor might suggest a low, safe dosage if required.

Keep taking your prenatal vitamins as they’ll help you fight off germs. And again, don’t take any over-the-counter medication without consulting your doctor first. “This includes homeopathic and ayurvedic medicines,” warns Dr Rao.

COLD AND FLU

Normally, a cold is just a mild annoyance in the course of life. Flu is a slightly more incapacitating one, but you just shrug it off, take your medication and wait it out.