Common illnesses in pregnancy
The immune system of a pregnant woman is altered to be able to accommodate the foreign tissue of the new baby. In that setting, she may be somewhat more vulnerable to certain common infections. Prevention is the first line of defense.
Prevention of common infections
- Avoid sick people at work and socially. Be firm about visitors.
- Wash hands with soap after being in public, when arriving home, after using the restroom, before cooking, and before eating.
- Use rules of food safety.
- Keep up on self care of nutrition, sleep, exercise, and personal hygiene.
- Keep up on dental care: Brush teeth at least twice per day, floss, and use a peroxide mouthwash at night.
- Encourage a policy of staying home from work when sick.
For the most part, the treatment for these common illnesses is the same in or out of pregnancy. But there are special considerations. For example, pregnant women do not tolerate dehydration nearly so well as non pregnant women. Additionally dehydration can lead to preterm contractions or urinary tract infection, which can lead to preterm labor.
Upper Respiratory Infection, aka The Common Cold
symptoms
nasal discharge, sore throat cough, mild fever, mild headache
diagnosis
clinical, meaning the doctor takes your history and does a pertinent physical exam, e.g. listening to the lungs.
studies
strep test, flu (influenza) test, pertussis(whooping cough) test, possible blood work
treatments
supportive, i.e. tylenol, fluids, decongestants, steam, cough syrup; antibiotics only if the doctor believes the infection is bacterial, or if the virus is influenza.
reasons to call your doctor
body aches, high fever over 100.4, very sore throat, bad cough, wheezing, inability to stay well hydrated, stiff neck, bad or prolonged illness of any kind, anything you cannot manage.
Gastroenteritis, aka Stomach flu
symptoms
nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea
diagnosis
clinical
studies
possible stool studies, blood work
treatments
fluid hydration, IV or my mouth, soaking in a bath, nausea medications, antibiotics if bacterial or parasitic infection is present.
reasons to call your doctor
dark urine, body aches, high fever over 100.4, bad cramps, inability to keep down liquids, blood in stool, vomiting more than three times per day, dehydration, bad or prolonged illness of any kind, anything you cannot manage.
Urinary Tract Infection, aka Bladder or Kidney Infection
symptoms
burning with urination, having to go too often, thinking you have to go and then not being able to, leaking urine, low pelvic discomfort, back pain, nausea
diagnosis
clinical plus test of urine sample
studies
urine sample and culture
treatments
good hydration and antibiotics
reasons to call your doctor
burning with urination, having to go too often, thinking you have to go and then not being able to, leaking urine, low pelvic discomfort, back pain, nausea - THIS IS NOT SOMETHING YOU CAN CURE ON YOUR OWN ! A NEGLECTED BLADDER INFECTION CAN GO THE KIDNEYS AND MAKE YOU VERY ILL. Please call your doctor right away after hours if you have these symptoms.
To learn more:
Foods for Cold and Flu During Pregnancy
If you Get Sick During Pregnancy