Are Expectant Mothers More Prone to Colds?
During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes various hormonal changes that affect both the structure and function of her organs. As a result, expectant mothers are indeed more susceptible to colds. This increased vulnerability can be attributed to several factors. For instance, pregnant women often experience heightened sweating, and the mucous membranes in the upper respiratory tract can thicken, leading to mild congestion. Additionally, since the fetus inherits half of its antigens from the father, expectant mothers might experience a form of immunological "rejection" towards this "foreign" newcomer.
Interestingly, the body manages to adapt by fostering a series of immune tolerance phenomena to ensure the fetus's safety in the womb. However, this adaptation is accompanied by a decline in immune function. Thus, the combination of these factors makes it clear that expectant mothers must take extra precautions to avoid cold viruses during this critical period.
Impacts of Colds During Pregnancy
When an expectant mother contracts a cold, it can have varying repercussions depending on the gestational stage. The baby typically inhabits the mother's womb for around 280 days. The first nine weeks after conception is known as the embryonic period, while the subsequent weeks are referred to as the fetal period. In the early embryonic phase, if a mother catches a cold, it can lead to two potential outcomes:
- Other cells may differentiate to compensate for the damaged cells, or
- Severe consequences may arise, such as congenital heart defects, central nervous system development issues, congenital cataracts, retinitis, hearing impairment, and even fetal deformities.
On the other hand, during the fetal period, it is generally less likely for colds to cause severe organ deformities; however, they may lead to functional impairments of certain organs and tissues.
Should You Avoid Medications While Sick?
While it's essential to minimize medication use during pregnancy, simply enduring a cold without treatment isn't advisable. Excessive use of medications can harm the fetus, particularly between weeks 3 and 9 of pregnancy, as this is a sensitive developmental window. Any adverse factors during this time may lead to deformities.
Viruses, which are particularly small, can cross the placenta, especially in the first trimester, putting the developing fetus at risk for various developmental abnormalities. Although most bacteria cannot penetrate the placenta, bacterial infections might cause chorioamnionitis, with toxins capable of reaching the fetus and potentially triggering miscarriage.
Therefore, the approach of entirely avoiding medication after catching a cold is misguided. Expectant mothers should seek medical advice promptly and consult healthcare professionals who can prescribe medications that are safe and appropriate for use during pregnancy, adhering to the necessary dosage and treatment principles.