What to do with the flu in the first 3 months of pregnancy?

The article was professionally consulted with BSCK I Le Hong Lien - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.

Pregnant women with flu in 3 months of pregnancy are very dangerous because in the early stages of pregnancy, the new baby is starting to form and gradually develop parts of the body. At this time, the fetus responds poorly to the mother's increase in body temperature. In addition, some strains of the flu virus can cause birth defects in babies such as cleft lips, cataracts, premature birth or stillbirth.
Pregnant women with flu should not be subjective about their illness. Pregnant women should see a doctor for advice on prescribing medication and appropriate pregnancy care measures. Absolutely do not arbitrarily buy drugs.
However, pregnant women with flu, especially in the first 3 months of pregnancy, should not be too worried because it may affect the development of the fetus. You should consult your doctor for appropriate treatment and should have regular antenatal check-ups, monitor growth, and detect fetal abnormalities through ultrasound.

Signs to identify pregnant women with flu:
Dry cough; Having a fever during pregnancy, which can be a little or a lot, because not everyone with the flu will have a fever; Sore throat; Chills; Severe muscle or body pain; Headache; Nasal congestion and runny nose; Severe fatigue lasting up to two weeks. Flu symptoms come on quickly and can be severe. Symptoms tend to be more severe and last longer, usually lasting 1 to 2 weeks.
Pregnant women can catch the flu all year round, but especially in winter. If you're pregnant and think you have the flu, talk to your doctor as soon as possible, within the first 48 hours of symptoms.
If pregnant women are at risk of complications from flu, when necessary, doctors can prescribe antiviral drugs, some prescription drugs can help improve symptoms and complications, but need to be treated. done as soon as symptoms appear.

One thing to be very careful about is that when pregnant women have a cold in the first 3 months of pregnancy, they should absolutely not take any medicine on their own. All drugs can have side effects leading to miscarriage, pregnancy malformations, pregnancy toxicity ... if used improperly for indications, dosages and functions.
Many drugs that affect the fetus should be considered when using such as:
Antiviral drugs such as Flumadine, Relenza, Tamiflu or Symmetrel: There is a potential for birth defects. Aspirin and ibuprofen: Aspirin has a risk of fetal bleeding and Ibuprofen has not been studied in pregnant women. Sputum expectorant guaifenesin and cough suppressant dextromethorphan: These are commonly found in syrups against flu, cold and cough. Animal studies have shown them to be associated with complications during pregnancy. In addition, even if you can self-treat with home remedies with herbs, pregnant women should also pay attention and consult the doctor's previous advice. If you see any strange symptoms while taking these measures, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
Currently on the market there are many herbs used to steam in the treatment of colds and flu, antiseptic nose and throat. Herbs can be fresh herbs, dried herbs or presented in the form of inhaled tablets, the composition of these types is also very diverse, so it is difficult to determine the safety for pregnant women.
The best way to prevent a pregnant woman from getting the flu is to get a flu shot. Getting a flu shot during pregnancy protects both mother and baby. The flu vaccine is safe during any stage of pregnancy, from the first 3 months of pregnancy to delivery.

Vinmec International General Hospital has been implementing influenza vaccination service for pregnant women. The advantages of vaccination at Vinmec include:
Patients will be examined by specialist doctors, fully screened for physical and health problems, and advised on preventive vaccines and regimens. injecting equipment, monitoring and post-vaccination care before giving an indication to vaccinate according to the latest recommendations of the Ministry of Health & World Health Organization to ensure the best effectiveness and safety for children. . A team of experienced and professional pediatric doctors and nurses, understand children's psychology and apply effective pain relief methods for children during the vaccination process. 100% of vaccinated patients were monitored 30 minutes after injection and reassessed before leaving. Be monitored for biological indicators before, during and after vaccination at Vinmec Health System and always have an emergency team ready to coordinate with the vaccination department to handle cases of anaphylaxis, respiratory failure - stop the week complete, ensuring timely and correct handling when problems occur. Vaccines are imported and stored in a modern cold storage system, with a cold chain that meets GSP standards, keeping vaccines in the best conditions to ensure quality.