Cough during pregnancy affects the fetus?

The article is professionally consulted by Doctor Nguyen Thi Man - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec International Hospital Da Nang.

Cough is a common symptom of pregnancy, can be related to respiratory disease or just a symptom of irritation in the oropharynx. So, does a cough during pregnancy affect the development of the fetus? Below is the answer of obstetrician and gynecologist Nguyen Thi Man from Vinmec Da Nang International General Hospital

Cough leads to spasms in the chest area, causing fatigue and pain for pregnant women, which can lead to loss of appetite, sleeplessness, weakness leading to fetal growth retardation.
Prolonged coughing, continuous coughing and strong coughing will stimulate uterine contractions, cause premature labor or threaten premature birth with near-term pregnancy. Cough can be a sign of infection of the mother's body, if not detected in time, it will affect the development of the fetus, sometimes causing sudden fetal heart failure.

Bacterial respiratory tract infections (pharyngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia): There will often be fever, cough with cloudy sputum. This cause requires antibiotic treatment.
Upper respiratory tract infection due to viral infection: Pregnant women will cough with runny nose, headache, may or may not have fever. To treat this cause, mainly increase resistance for pregnant women. Cough due to allergies, due to irritation in the oropharynx. Pregnant women in this case need to avoid irritating factors such as strange smells, dust, pet hair,... MORE: Does a pregnant woman's cough affect the fetus?

The resistance of pregnant women is too reduced, accompanied by hormonal changes in the body during pregnancy, which is the condition for bacteria and viruses to enter the body and cause disease in pregnant women.
Sensitive to weather changes: the time of change of seasons, especially autumn-winter, winter-spring, sudden temperature changes, cold wind are also causes of diseases that cause cough symptoms. During pregnancy, the uterus puts pressure on the abdomen, causing acid reflux, which is also a cause of cough in pregnant women. SEE ALSO: Can pregnant women use cough syrup?

The diet should include foods rich in vitamin C, spices with warming properties, foods to improve the body's resistance such as ginger, onions, garlic, lemongrass, turmeric. Increase water intake, eat fruits such as oranges, tangerines, kumquats, grapes,... Avoid cold foods, fried foods,...
Get enough sleep, exercise in moderation, don't exert yourself. Avoid going to crowded places and places with cold winds. Clean the body, gargle with physiological saline. Should take a bath with warm water, take a quick shower, dry quickly to avoid the body getting cold. Keep warm with socks and scarves. Absolutely do not arbitrarily use drugs without a doctor's prescription, especially antibiotics. When you see a prolonged cough, especially with fever, sputum, chest pain, etc., you should quickly go to the hospital for examination and specific instructions for monitoring and treatment by a specialist doctor. . Mothers should be fully vaccinated with vaccines for pregnant women to protect the health of mother and baby.

When a prolonged cough is accompanied by fever, phlegm, ... pregnant women should quickly go to the hospital for examination and specific treatment instructions. This whole process at Vinmec International General Hospital is strictly carried out so that the mother can have the safest pregnancy
The Obstetrics Department of Vinmec International General Hospital has been highly appreciated by customers for its professional quality. as well as professional care services.
Comprehensive mother and baby care : Comprehensive mother & baby health care, from before - during - after pregnancy fully; prenatal and postnatal screening for infants and mothers; heel test; maternity package ; pre-marital examination; prenatal care and counseling; cord blood storage. Children receive the best care from birth: right after the baby is born, the baby is skin-to-skin with the mother, the umbilical cord is cut by the father, and is monitored and cared for in the special care room for a few days. 12 hours for early detection of transient respiratory failure or other medical conditions. The baby is fully vaccinated. The birth team not only has obstetricians and midwives, but also has pediatricians on duty, monitoring to handle problems arising for the baby during the birth process. Modern and advanced techniques: Painless delivery by special anesthetic techniques. Treatment and care for extremely preterm infants < 27 weeks - Vinmec is the only hospital in the North that can save the lives of babies born 24 weeks premature. Outstanding equipment: The room is designed according to international hotel standards, with modern equipment such as: specialized transport incubators with ventilators, blood suction, pressure controlled oxygen tubes; deafness screening machine, brain cooling machine to treat asphyxia; CFM brain function monitor; Monitor 5 parameters; Resuscitation bed with built-in heating lamp. To register for examination and treatment with the leading doctors of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Vinmec International General Hospital, you can contact the hospital hotline for service.