I keep getting colds, is it hurting baby?

[QueenKoala]

i am 11 weeks, Second time getting a cold and feeling very poorly. It is viral but not covid. First time i was down with fever for two days and then couldnt get rid of the cough. Just as I was starting to feel like I am getting better this happens again. My sinuses are full, i keep coughing and spluttering. I am worried this may be hurting the baby…. Any advice? #upperrespiratorytractinfections #commoncold

[Fruitandflowers]

It's horrible being ill during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester when you may be feeling pretty rough anyway. But I wouldn't worry, I think you can get ill more often during pregnancy as your immune system is dampened (so as not to attack the baby(!)). This time around in the first trimester I had what I thought was the beginnings of a cold, and it reminded me to I had the covid and flu jab which I did, and then I started to feel awful and I tested positive for covid! Felt pretty awful for a good couple of weeks. I have a toddler and she brings back every illness out there which I then get, and I suspect that's the case for most expectant mothers with little ones. There are things to be careful of (like flu) and if you get a fever or are worried, see your GP as sometimes there are some pregnancy safe antibiotics if it's bacterial. Otheriwse I think it's just paracetamol to keep your temp down as there is some evidence of very high or prolongued fever causing problems, but mild coughing and cold like symptoms are unlikely to be a risk, just a bit miserable for you.

[QueenKoala in reply to Fruitandflowers]

thank you for that. I am a teacher and I seem to be picking up all the possible bugs from school. I asked the midwives about the vaccinations they told me to wait till after 16weeks so not sure what to do. Should i ask to have it early?

[Fruitandflowers in reply to QueenKoala]

I don't think there's an reason to wait until 16 weeks, if anything I would have thought earlier was better unless there's a concern it would wear off, but that would be pretty quick. But having said that, I think the risks with covid are in the third trimester and although it's unpleasant, I think seasonal flu is now the more dangerous one, and things like whooping cough (which you should be offered the jab for later in pregnancy), so I wouldn't worry too much at this stage if they want you to wait for some reason. I'd ask your GP though and not necessarily go off what the midwives say.

[Hidden in reply to QueenKoala]

Basic rule of vaccination is do not vaccinate if you are ill or there is a possibility of current infection (during ongoing epidemic).Also there is a reason the guidelines for vaccines in pregnancy say after 16 weeks - the reason is that vaccines during first trimester statistically increase miscarriage rates.

Also vaccines are not tested on pregnant women (ethical reasons) so not tested for mutagenic and reproductive issues... And Covid "vaccine"?? Do people still take it - with everything we know about it now?

If you want to take vaccines because you believe there are more pros than cons, wait until later in pregnancy and when you are 100% fit.

In the meantime, take sick days, rest, use herbal teas, onion compresses and steam inhalations.

Hopefully you'll feel better soon.

[Eloquentia]

Hi! I am sorry to hear about the colds. I had a long series of colds during my pregnancy because of the lowered immunity. From what I read, these are fine because very few viruses can actually cross the placenta. I did get a COVID jab just after my 12-week scan. It was too late in the season for a flu one. What personally helped me a lot was Manuka honey. I hope you feel better soon!

[QueenKoala in reply to Eloquentia]

I tried raw honey as well as honey in hot water found both soothing, thank you.

[Fulcher88]

Am 25weeks nd had covid twice nd my baby fine as my midwife say there no harm to my baby nd a had go on steroids aswel don't worry ano it hard not to xx