Illness During Pregnancy

OBGYNs Discuss Treating the Flu or COVID When You’re Pregnant

Coming down with a fever, cough and body aches is unpleasant at any time, and it can feel especially worrying during pregnancy. Many expectant mothers wonder whether the illness could affect their baby and which medications are safe to take. Knowing what to do if you get the flu when pregnant or COVID when pregnant helps you recover safely and protect your baby.

In a previous article, we discussed the safety of flu and COVID vaccines during pregnancy. Here, board-certified Livonia area OBGYN Dr. Chadi Haddad, MD explains what happens if you contract the flu or COVID when pregnant and the safest ways to treat each illness.

Will Getting the Flu When Pregnant Hurt My Baby?

Pregnancy naturally changes the immune system, heart and lungs, which makes expectant mothers more likely to develop serious complications from influenza. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), getting the flu when pregnant increases the risk of pneumonia and hospitalization, and this higher risk continues for about two weeks after delivery. Most women who get the flu when pregnant recover fully, especially when treatment begins early.

The flu virus itself rarely reaches the baby, but the illness can still affect the pregnancy. A high fever, particularly during the first trimester, has been associated with a higher risk of certain birth defects, and severe flu when pregnant has been linked to preterm birth and low birth weight. For these reasons, Dr. Haddad encourages patients to call the office at the first sign of flu symptoms so that treatment can start promptly.

Can I Take Medications if I Get the Flu When Pregnant?

Yes, and prompt treatment is strongly recommended. The CDC and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommend antiviral medication for anyone with suspected or confirmed flu when pregnant. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is the preferred antiviral during pregnancy because it has the most safety data, and it works best when started within 48 hours of the first symptoms. Treatment is still recommended for pregnant patients who begin to feel sick more than 48 hours earlier.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the preferred medication for lowering fever and relieving aches during pregnancy. Ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are generally avoided, especially after 20 weeks, and many multi-symptom cold and flu products contain ingredients that are not recommended during pregnancy. Checking with the office of board-certified Livonia area OBGYN Dr. Chadi Haddad, MD before taking any over-the-counter remedy is the safest approach for both mother and baby.

Other Safe Ways to Treat the Flu When Pregnant?

Rest and hydration are two of the most important parts of recovering from the flu when pregnant. Drinking plenty of water, broth and electrolyte beverages helps prevent dehydration, which can trigger contractions and slow recovery. A cool-mist humidifier, saline nasal spray and warm tea with honey can ease congestion and soothe a sore throat without medication.

Certain symptoms require immediate medical attention. Difficulty breathing, chest pain or pressure, confusion, persistent vomiting, a fever that does not come down with acetaminophen, or a decrease in the baby’s movements are all reasons to call the office right away or go to the nearest emergency department. Dr. Haddad also recommends limiting contact with others while sick to protect family members and newborns.

Will COVID Hurt My Baby If I Get it When Pregnant?

Most women who contract COVID when pregnant have mild to moderate symptoms and recover without complications. However, the CDC considers pregnancy a condition that increases the risk of severe COVID illness, including the need for intensive care or a ventilator. Getting COVID when pregnant has also been associated with a higher risk of preterm birth, preeclampsia and, in rare severe cases, stillbirth.

Transmission of the virus to the baby before birth is uncommon, and most babies born to mothers who had COVID when pregnant are healthy. The greatest risk to the baby comes from severe illness in the mother, which is why early treatment and careful monitoring matter so much. Dr. Haddad may recommend additional check-ins or ultrasounds after a COVID infection to confirm that the baby continues to grow well.

Can I Take Medications if I Get COVID When Pregnant?

Several treatments can be used safely for COVID when pregnant. Nirmatrelvir with ritonavir (Paxlovid) is an oral antiviral that national treatment guidelines consider an option during pregnancy, because pregnancy increases the risk of severe illness. Paxlovid must be started within five days of the first symptoms and can interact with other medications, so a careful medication review is important before starting it. Remdesivir, given by IV, is another option for some patients.

Molnupiravir, another COVID antiviral, is not recommended during pregnancy. As with the flu, acetaminophen is the preferred medication for fever and aches, while ibuprofen and many combination cold products are best avoided. Patients who take low-dose aspirin to reduce the risk of preeclampsia should continue it unless instructed otherwise by Dr. Haddad.

Other Safe Ways to Treat COVID When Pregnant?

Supportive care helps the body recover from COVID when pregnant. Rest, plenty of fluids, nutritious small meals and acetaminophen for fever can ease symptoms. Because both pregnancy and COVID increase the risk of blood clots, gentle movement such as short walks around the home, along with staying well hydrated, is encouraged whenever possible.

Some patients find it helpful to monitor oxygen levels at home with a pulse oximeter, and a reading below 95 percent is a reason to call the office. Shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, bluish lips, high fever or reduced fetal movement require immediate care. Women in the third trimester should continue to track the baby’s movements daily, which is a practice board-certified Livonia area OBGYN Dr. Chadi Haddad, MD recommends throughout any illness.

Flu or COVID When Pregnant | Livonia Area

If you develop symptoms of the flu or COVID when pregnant, prompt care can protect both you and your baby. Early antiviral treatment, fever control and close monitoring help most expectant mothers recover quickly and continue a healthy pregnancy. Always check with your OB before taking any medication, including over-the-counter products.

If you are pregnant and not feeling well, contact the office or schedule an appointment with board-certified Livonia area OBGYN Dr. Chadi Haddad, MD. The caring staff at Dr. Haddad’s office are here to answer your questions and guide you through every stage of your pregnancy with compassionate, personalized care.

OBGYN | Dearborn Heights: 313.561.2200

Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Every pregnancy is different, so please consult your obstetrician or healthcare provider before taking any medication, including over-the-counter products, during pregnancy. If you experience difficulty breathing, chest pain, a high fever, confusion or decreased fetal movement, seek emergency medical care immediately.