I am 4 months pregnant and have a cold. Should I steam?

(Ms. Thu Huyen, residing in Trang Bom town, Trang Bom district)

Doctor replied:

Hello!

During pregnancy, the immune system is weakened, so pregnant women are susceptible to respiratory diseases, the most common of which is the flu. The disease is caused by the flu virus, which is highly contagious.

Pregnant women with flu have the following symptoms:

- High fever around 38-39 degrees Celsius

- Feeling cold, shivering

- Headache, fatigue, lethargy in limbs

- Pregnant women with colds and coughs, possibly accompanied by sore throats, dry coughs or coughs with phlegm

- Sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose or runny nose

- Muscle pain, loss of appetite.

The above symptoms last for about 3-5 days, mild flu can be cured within 5-10 days depending on the resistance of the pregnant mother.

Regarding your question, although steaming can help relieve nasal congestion and create a temporary feeling of comfort, this method has many potential dangers for both the fetus and the pregnant mother for the following reasons:

+ During the steaming process, pregnant women must sit in a blanket with a pot of hot steaming water at high temperature, this causes the pregnant woman's body temperature to increase, leading to hot amniotic fluid, affecting the fetus. In case the temperature is above 38 degrees Celsius, the fetus will be at risk of neural tube defects and dehydration later in pregnancy.

+ The pressure of hot steam and the airtightness when steaming can cause pregnant women to feel dizzy, suffocate, or even have low blood pressure. Pregnant women should keep their blood pressure stable because low blood pressure reduces the amount of blood going to the fetus.

+ Besides, if pregnant women are not careful, they will be burned by the hot pot of steaming water.

Get well soon!

Specialist Doctor 2 Bui Thi Dao,

Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Ai Nghia Dong Khoi General Clinic, Bien Hoa City

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/alo--bac-si-oi/202504/dang-mang-thai-4-thang-bi-cam-cum-co-nen-xong-khong-95044c3/