In most cases, pneumonia begins with a common cold or the flu and then spreads to the lungs. If left untreated, pneumonia during pregnancy can be life-threatening; moreover, it is somewhat harder for pregnant women to fight off this illness.
Symptoms of pneumonia during pregnancy
During pregnancy, it is crucial to be aware of pneumonia symptoms and consult a doctor immediately for treatment.
Common symptoms include:
- Cold- and flu-like symptoms, such as a sore throat, headache, and joint pain;
- Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing;
- Severe weakness and fatigue;
- Fever or chills;
- Chest pain;
- A severe cough.
The impact of pneumonia on mother and baby
Pneumonia is a serious illness that, if left untreated, can lead to dangerous complications for both the mother and the unborn child.
Pneumonia during pregnancy causes oxygen levels in the body to drop, as the lungs are unable to supply enough oxygen to the body. Consequently, less oxygen reaches the uterus as well.
There is also a risk that the infection could spread from the lungs to other parts of the body, such as the bloodstream.
Pneumonia during pregnancy can lead to the following consequences:
- Preterm birth;
- Low birth weight.
Many women worry that a severe cough might harm the fetus. However, the baby is surrounded by amniotic fluid that acts as a shock absorber, protecting the fetus from coughing, vibrations, noise, pressure, and minor impacts.
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Risk factors
Pregnancy increases a woman's risk of developing pneumonia, as the body expends a lot of energy to support the baby's development in the womb. Furthermore, the growing baby and expanding uterus also reduce a woman's lung capacity, putting additional strain on lung function.
Pneumonia is often caused by a bacterial infection that spreads to the lungs. Bacteria that most commonly cause pneumonia include:
- Haemophilus influenzae
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
Viral infections that lead to pneumonia include:
- Influenza virus
- Chickenpox or herpes zoster (infectious rash)
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and coronavirus (COVID-19).
Women are at higher risk of developing pneumonia during pregnancy in the following cases:
- Smoking;
- Anemia (low red blood cell count);
- Asthma;
- A chronic illness;
- A job that involves working with young children;
- Working in hospitals or nursing homes;
- A weakened immune system.
Treatment of pneumonia during pregnancy
Treating pneumonia during pregnancy depends on whether the infection is caused by a virus or bacteria.
Many methods of treating viral pneumonia during pregnancy are considered safe, and if pneumonia is detected at an early stage, it can be resolved with antiviral medications. In some cases, oxygen therapy may also be prescribed by a doctor.
Bacterial pneumonia, on the other hand, is treated with antibiotics prescribed by a doctor.
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When should you see a doctor?
A doctor should be consulted as soon as symptoms of pneumonia appear in a pregnant woman. This helps prevent various complications that may arise from the illness.
In addition to asking you about the symptoms of the illness, the doctor will:
- Listens to the lungs with a stethoscope;
- Performs a chest X-ray;
- Takes a sputum sample.
If severe pneumonia is diagnosed, hospitalization is required. If a pregnant woman experiences any of the following symptoms, she should immediately call 103 or the local emergency number:
- Chest pain;
- Difficulty breathing;
- A high fever (38 °C or higher) that does not come down even after taking paracetamol, or non-stop vomiting; confusion, or reduced movements of the baby.
