Can you take emergency while pregnant

What You Need to Know

Viral illnesses are a big worry for pregnant women. Many symptom-combating over-the-counter meds are off-limits — and thanks to a weakened immune system during pregnancy, a nasty virus can sometimes turn into an even nastier infection.

That’s why vitamin C supplements like Emergen-C — which promise to help you fight off every germ that cold, flu, and, er, pandemic season throws your way — are so tempting.

Talk to your doctor

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or a fever while pregnant, don’t attempt to self-treat with vitamin C. Call your doctor.

These supplements are like vitamin boosts, providing as much immune-supporting vitamin C as a truckload of oranges — and that sounds like a pretty good idea when you’re pregnant or nursing and everyone around you is coughing.

But is it actually a good idea? Most supplements are considered unsafe during pregnancy because they aren’t regulated by the FDA in the same way as drugs. Plus, some supplements and medications taken while breastfeeding can affect your baby.

Emergen-C rests solidly in the check-with-your-doctor-first category, and we’ll tell you why.

There are several different kinds of Emergen-C supplements, all of which contain what the brand calls “high potency vitamin C.”

This is mostly a fancy term for “enough vitamin C to turn you into an orange,” but some vitamin manufacturers claim it means their formulas are less likely to cause digestive upset and more likely to be absorbed into the bloodstream than other kinds of vitamin C.

Some Emergen-C products, such as Everyday Immune Support and Enhanced Immune Support Formula, contain a whopping 1,000 milligrams per serving, along with:

zinc
B vitamins
other electrolytes, like calcium and sodium

Other Emergen-C products include:

energizing vitamins
plant-based vitamins
probiotics
electrolyte drinks
a sleep aid

These products may contain lower levels of vitamin C but also probiotic strains, vitamins D and E, elderberries, melatonin, ginseng, and caffeine.

We get it: No one wants to sit around peeling and eating oranges all day in an effort to ward off the plague. There’s a lot of appeal in dissolving some powder into water and chugging down all that sweet, immune-boosting vitamin C in just minutes (or popping a couple of gummies or chewable vitamins).

But if you’re pregnant, you should talk to your doctor first. Most doctors advise pregnant women to steer clear of supplements — other than prenatal vitamins and a handful of much-needed nutrients — for a healthy pregnancy.

That goes for vitamin C, too, as the research is unfortunately lacking. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that some studies have investigated vitamin C’s effects on pregnancy and birth outcomes, but the results have been mixed. Vitamin C improved outcomes in some cases, but not in others.

As such, the WHO doesn’t recommend the widespread supplementation of vitamin C during pregnancy. That doesn’t mean vitamin C use during pregnancy could harm you, but it does mean there’s not enough evidence that the benefits outweigh the risks. Plus, its effects on immune health specifically during pregnancy haven’t been closely studied.

The restrictions are slightly more lax for nursing mothers, though there are things to know there, too.

According to the Drugs and Lactation Database, you can take a high daily dose of 1,000 milligrams — like what you would find in Emergen-C — without any adverse effects for you or your baby. However, high amounts of vitamin C could increase your milk supply, so if you’re already struggling with overproduction, keep that in mind.

The amount of vitamin C in Emergen-C products varies but tops off at 1,000 milligrams per serving for their immune-boosting formulas. Meanwhile, their energy vitamins and probiotics include between 250 and 500 milligrams.

According to the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), pregnant women over 19 years old should get 85 milligrams of vitamin C daily, while breastfeeding women over 19 should get 120 milligrams daily. These numbers are slightly lower — 80 and 155, respectively — if you’re under 19.

As for how much vitamin C you can take without having side effects, the makers of Emergen-C advise that no one consumes more than 2,000 milligrams of vitamin C per day. The ODS confirms that this is also the upper daily limit (UL) for pregnant and breastfeeding women over 19.

Short-term use of more than 2,000 milligrams per day may not cause any problems other than mild digestive distress, but some research has shown that long-term “megadoses” of vitamin C could cause kidney stones or excess iron absorption.

Unfortunately, pregnant women have more vulnerable immune systems. In fact, they’re usually lumped into that infamous “immunocompromised” category along with infants and the elderly. You know how you can’t eat soft cheese during pregnancy because you might get develop listeriosis? That’s because your immune system is weaker than usual.

That said, you’ll get some supplemental vitamin C in your prenatal vitamin, though the amount will vary by brand. Most contain about 85 milligrams per serving, which puts you squarely in the “recommended daily value for pregnant women” camp and should be enough to keep you healthy under normal circumstances.

Whether you choose to add an additional vitamin C supplement is up to you — you may feel you need it during sick season (or if you have other small children at home constantly sharing all their preschool germs with you). But you should ask your doctor first if that’s OK, and how much extra you should take.

Don’t forget that you can also get an extra boost of vitamin C from foods, which is a safer but just-as-effective way to increase your levels. Try eating lots of citrus fruits, red and green pepper, broccoli, cherries, spinach, and strawberries.

We understand the impulse to load up on as much vitamin C is safe during pregnancy, especially when there’s a viral pandemic raging in your neighborhood. But more is not always best when it comes to supplements, so you need to check with your doctor before you consume extra amounts of vitamin C.

Furthermore, the good people at Emergen-C agree. In their FAQ section, consumers are instructed to consult their healthcare provider if they’re pregnant or nursing.

Vitamin C supplements like Emergen-C are probably fine for occasional use, but there’s not much evidence proving their safety or usefulness when it comes to fighting illnesses during pregnancy.

Stay healthy these 9 months by eating a diet rich in vitamins and minerals and practicing good hand hygiene. If you still feel like you need an additional boost of vitamin C, talk to your doctor.

What You Need to Know

That’s why vitamin C supplements like Emergen-C — which promise to help you fight off every germ that cold, flu, and, er, pandemic season throws your way — are so tempting.

Talk to your doctor

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or a fever while pregnant, don’t attempt to self-treat with vitamin C. Call your doctor.

Emergen-C rests solidly in the check-with-your-doctor-first category, and we’ll tell you why.

There are several different kinds of Emergen-C supplements, all of which contain what the brand calls “high potency vitamin C.”

Some Emergen-C products, such as Everyday Immune Support and Enhanced Immune Support Formula, contain a whopping 1,000 milligrams per serving, along with:

zinc
B vitamins
other electrolytes, like calcium and sodium

Other Emergen-C products include:

energizing vitamins
plant-based vitamins
probiotics
electrolyte drinks
a sleep aid

These products may contain lower levels of vitamin C but also probiotic strains, vitamins D and E, elderberries, melatonin, ginseng, and caffeine.

The restrictions are slightly more lax for nursing mothers, though there are things to know there, too.

Furthermore, the good people at Emergen-C agree. In their FAQ section, consumers are instructed to consult their healthcare provider if they’re pregnant or nursing.

Vitamin C supplements like Emergen-C are probably fine for occasional use, but there’s not much evidence proving their safety or usefulness when it comes to fighting illnesses during pregnancy.

Stay healthy these 9 months by eating a diet rich in vitamins and minerals and practicing good hand hygiene. If you still feel like you need an additional boost of vitamin C, talk to your doctor.

When to call an ambulance for a pregnant woman

Warning signs during pregnancy for immediate medical attention or an ambulance.

During pregnancy, there are often conditions in which a woman needs medical attention. Sometimes, when you feel unwell, it is difficult to know what to do: call an ambulance immediately or wait and make an appointment with your doctor. Sometimes such indecision can turn into serious problems. In practice, there are a number of symptoms that should not be neglected. Each of them can be a manifestation of a pathology in which it is necessary to immediately hospitalize a pregnant woman in a hospital. Consider these symptoms and related pathologies. nine0003

Warning symptoms during pregnancy

Bleeding - one of the most common reasons for pregnant women to go to the ambulance is various bleeding associated with pregnancy or diseases of the reproductive organs.

Obstetric bleeding is discharge mixed with blood or blood released from the genital tract of a woman during pregnancy, childbirth or in the postpartum period. The intensity and duration of such bleeding can vary greatly depending on the cause that caused them - from scanty blood smears on underwear, to heavy and prolonged bleeding. nine0003

They can occur at any stage of pregnancy and when they appear, the patient most often feels general malaise, dizziness, fainting or severe pain in the lower abdomen and lower back may occur.

Causes of bleeding during pregnancy:

1. Spontaneous miscarriage or abortion - such a pathology can occur at any stage of pregnancy, but the highest risk is during the first three months of pregnancy, at which time, for a variety of reasons, pregnancy is threatened with termination, fetal rejection begins, placental discharge which can cause miscarriage. This is accompanied by the following symptoms: discharge with blood or bright scarlet blood from the genital tract appears, the woman feels acute pain, there is hypertonicity of the anterior wall of the uterus - the stomach “hardens”. nine0003

Any manifestations of the first signs of a miscarriage are a reason to urgently seek medical help, and before the arrival of the ambulance, it is completely at rest, do not get up and take 1-2 tablets of antispasmodics (no-shpa, metacin or a suppository with papaverine). With timely medical care, the chance of maintaining a pregnancy increases.

2. Placenta previa - a gynecological pathology in which the placenta is attached to the placenta where the fetus exits the uterus. This arrangement does not interfere with the normal growth and development of the child, but greatly increases the risk of bleeding. nine0003

The symptoms of placenta previa are unexpected bleeding or spotting that occurs in the background of complete well-being after the twentieth week of pregnancy. If such symptoms appear, you should immediately call an ambulance, while waiting for the doctors, lie on your left side and try to give the lower half of the body an elevated position - put a pillow or something soft under your hips.

3. Placental abruption - "children's place" - this is the connection of the unborn baby with the mother, if this connection is not violated in time, there is a serious threat to the bearing of the child. The risk of such a pathology increases in the last months of pregnancy, the first signs of a threatening placental abruption are a pain symptom, bleeding from the genitals, weakness, uterine hypertonicity, contractions may occur.

If such symptoms appear, you should immediately call an ambulance until she arrives, try not to make unnecessary movements, lie down, put an ice pack on your lower abdomen, and do not eat or drink. nine0003

Any, as well as discharge from the genital organs with an admixture of blood in a pregnant woman, is a sign of a serious obstetric pathology that possibly threatens not only the life of the unborn child, but also the life of the pregnant woman. Such symptoms are a clear indicator for emergency hospitalization in the gynecological department. While waiting for the ambulance for pregnant women, you need to stop any kind of activity and be completely at rest.

Pain syndrome

Very often, bearing a child is accompanied by various pain sensations, this is due to physiological changes caused by hormonal changes for bearing a child. These symptoms are not always pathological. But it is necessary to clearly distinguish between situations in which pain is just an unpleasant symptom of a normal pregnancy or a sign of serious health problems in a pregnant woman and her child.

At the beginning of pregnancy, the occurrence of mild pain in the lower abdomen, in the lower back - lower back, in the abdomen or in the enlarging mammary glands is considered normal. nine0003

Such unpleasant sensations are associated with the pressure of the growing uterus on the organs and blood vessels, with sprains, with the restructuring of the mammary glands. They are short-term, not too intense and pass quickly.

If the pain is severe, cramping, does not go away for a long time, has arisen in the genital area, uterus or in the lumbar region, this condition requires qualified medical care and you need to take care of your health without delay. nine0003

If very strong pain occurs, it is recommended to call emergency care, and before the doctors arrive, go to bed and take antispasmodics - no-shpu, metacin, suppositories with papaverine.

Headache during childbearing may be one of the first signs of preeclampsia . An ambulance should be called if there are signs of pathology such as severe pressing pain in the temples or the back of the head, darkness in the eyes, flickering of "flies" or multi-colored spots before the eyes, nausea and vomiting, increased blood pressure, unmotivated excitement or depression. All these are signs of developing preeclampsia - a special pathological condition of pregnant women requiring immediate medical intervention. In addition to headache, with preeclampsia, there is a strong increase in pressure, edema appears, and protein is detected in urine tests. In more complex cases, a strong aggravation of the general condition of the patient, short-term stunning or loss of consciousness, and the occurrence of convulsive movements are possible. With the onset of such symptoms, it is urgent to call an ambulance for pregnant women. Before the arrival of doctors, the patient should be laid in a dark room, in complete silence, to alleviate the condition, give an elevated position in bed and monitor the patient's condition. If the doctor prescribed drugs that lower blood pressure, you can take them before the arrival of the ambulance. nine0003

Surgical pathologies

Situations in which a person may need urgent medical attention can occur at any time and in any place. During pregnancy, the risk of such problems is somewhat higher than in any other.

In order not to harm the child and his mother, you need to seek medical help as soon as possible and try to remain calm.

"Acute abdomen" is a collective term that combines a whole group of various diseases and pathologies of internal organs that occur in the abdominal cavity. Such conditions develop very quickly and for the patient to recover, it is necessary to immediately deliver her to a surgical hospital for surgical intervention. nine0003

Symptoms of such surgical pathologies are severe cutting or dull pains in the abdominal cavity, their intensity increases over time, in addition, there are signs of disruption of the digestive tract - nausea, vomiting, there may be a restriction of muscle mobility of the anterior abdominal wall, stool retention. In addition to the above signs, the general state of health is greatly deteriorating - the patient feels severe weakness, dizziness, her skin turns pale, sweat is strong and blood pressure drops. nine0003

Often there may be signs of inflammatory changes in the abdominal cavity - an increase in body temperature, increased breathing and heart rate.

A variety of diseases, both related to the female reproductive system and related to the pathology of internal organs, can cause the development of such a surgical pathology:

1. Ectopic pregnancy - occurs when a fertilized ovum does not attach properly - not in the uterine cavity, but in the abdominal cavity or fallopian tube. Such an egg can develop for some time, but then its development stops and spontaneous miscarriage occurs. Such a pathology becomes the most common cause of the development of "acute abdomen" in pregnant women. With the development of pregnancy outside the uterine cavity, a pregnant woman feels severe pain in the lower abdomen, there are no regular menstrual flows, vaginal discharge with blood impurities appears. With a developing ectopic pregnancy, complaints can be minimal - mild pain and spotting. An interrupted ectopic pregnancy becomes the reason for placing the patient in a hospital. In this case, a rupture of the fallopian tube or other tissues may occur. This provokes severe pain - there is a "dagger" pain in the lower abdomen, the appearance of blood from the genitals. A woman feels a sharp deterioration in well-being that occurs due to symptoms of internal bleeding - severe weakness, possible fainting, pressure drop, pain shock. nine0003

2. Uterine rupture - this pathology occurs after surgery on the uterus - caesarean section, removal of tumors, excision of the uterine angle after removal of an ectopic pregnancy. Symptoms of such a pathology are a change in the shape and contours of the abdomen, severe pain in a certain place, with palpation, you can feel the edges of the gap and cicatricial changes.

3. Ovarian cyst torsion - the occurrence of such a complication is possible in the presence of formations in the ovaries. A cyst is a benign formation in the ovary, which is a cavity with liquid, if the cyst is attached to the ovary with the help of a "leg", then there is a risk of torsion of the cyst, while blood supply is disturbed, blood vessels are compressed and tissue death begins. This causes severe pain, which can be provoked by any physical activity, sexual intercourse or nervous strain. Scanty vaginal discharge also appears, and other symptoms of intoxication may be present. nine0003

4. Violation of the blood supply to the myomatous node - if a pregnant woman is diagnosed with uterine fibroids, as the fetus grows, compression of the vessels that feed this formation is possible, this leads to disruption of the blood supply to the fibroids and the occurrence of constant dull pain in the area of uterine fibroids.

5. Acute appendicitis - can occur at any time, up to 75% of cases of acute appendicitis in pregnant women occur in the first months. Clinically, the disease is manifested by a standard set of symptoms - pain in the epigastrium or in the lower third of the right side of the abdomen. On examination, you can notice a strong tension in the abdominal muscles. If help was not provided on time, nausea, vomiting, and a rise in body temperature join. nine0003

6. Acute cholecystitis is an inflammatory disease of the gallbladder, it often develops in pregnant women, about 10% of all pregnant women suffer from disorders in the gallbladder, but most often the disease does not require medical attention. In case of exacerbation, the patient is tormented by severe pain on the right side, irridating to the scapula and right shoulder, indomitable vomiting, which does not bring relief and deterioration in the general condition of the patient. In such cases, it is also necessary to contact the ambulance specialists. nine0003

7. Acute pancreatitis - occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed. The main symptom of the disease is an acute, sudden onset girdle pain or pain in the upper abdomen, severe nausea and vomiting, and a sharp rise in body temperature.

8. Perforation of a stomach or duodenal ulcer - if a woman was diagnosed with inflammation or ulceration of the walls of the stomach or intestines before pregnancy, there is a risk of bleeding from damaged vessels or formation of a hole in the wall of the organ - perforation. With such a pathology, there is a very strong dagger pain, fainting, weakness, vomiting with blood is possible. nine0003

Before the arrival of the ambulance, in all the cases described above, it is required to ensure the complete rest of the pregnant woman, put her on the bed and not give any painkillers and in no case eat or drink until the doctors arrive. It is allowed to take antispasmodics - no-shpy, metacin - 1-2 tablets. Do not try to make an enema or wash the patient's stomach on their own. It is also not recommended to take painkillers or laxatives - this can greatly distort the clinical picture of the disease and complicate its further diagnosis. nine0003

Somatic diseases

Almost every person has certain pathologies in the work of internal organs, and for women, during pregnancy, the risk of developing an exacerbation of these diseases increases, which can lead to complications during pregnancy.

1. Renal colic - occurs when there is a violation of the outflow of urine from the urinary organs. The reason for this delay in urination may be the formation of a kidney stone, chronic diseases of the urinary system. During renal colic, the patient is tormented by very severe pains in the lower back, the pain is very strong, occurs suddenly and becomes more intense over time, in addition, the general condition of the patient is disturbed - swelling, headache, nausea and vomiting may occur. Before the ambulance arrives, you can’t take liquids, you need to try to calm down and, if necessary, take antispasmodics - no-shpu, papaverine. nine0003

2. Asthma attack - Asthma attack may be triggered by physical exertion, nervous shock, ingestion of an allergen, or other causes. There is shortness of breath, the patient's breathing is noisy and wheezing, she is tormented by a feeling of fear and anxiety, a panic attack may occur.

Before the arrival of doctors, you need to seat the patient, unfasten tight clothing, open the window, lower your hands and feet into hot water. Perhaps the use of inhaled forms of the drug to relieve swelling and spasm. nine0003

Childbirth

Even if the expectant mother has been preparing for the onset of labor pains and has been looking forward to this moment, unexpected signs of impending labor can be taken by surprise and cause panic.

You need to contact an ambulance when regular labor occurs or after amniotic fluid breaks.

Regular labor pains are repeated every 10-15 minutes, last at least 10-15 seconds and their intensity and frequency increase all the time. If regular contractions appear at least once every 15-10 minutes, with a frequency of 20-10 seconds, or if the water breaks, you need to call an ambulance, and before they arrive, try to calm down and collect the necessary things. nine0003

Check the availability of all documents - an exchange card, passport, birth certificate, insurance policy or contract for childbirth.

While there is time, you need to collect or check the availability of things necessary in the maternity hospital - socks, diapers, pads after childbirth, panties after childbirth, towels, toilet paper. hygiene products, a bathrobe, slippers, a nightgown are usually given out there, but if they allow it, you can also have your own, a notebook and a pen, bepanten cream, drinking water, a pack of cookies and, of course, all documents). To prepare for childbirth, a woman in labor needs to cut her nails, remove jewelry, remove hair and remove hair from intimate places. It is not recommended to eat, it is better to drink some tea, juice or compote. nine0135

When to call an ambulance during pregnancy - ROCROS

Of course, such an important period for a woman as pregnancy, you want to spend it easily and carefree, without feeling any deviations in your health. But there are a number of signs that indicate health problems and require immediate medical attention.

Below we will describe the symptoms that should serve as a signal for you to call the ambulance team.

Spotting or bleeding during pregnancy

Are you pregnant and notice that you have spotting on your underwear? Perhaps they are not abundant, but even such discharge should be a reason for going to the doctor and further examination, especially if there is still enough time before the expected date of birth.

In such a situation, you can contact the antenatal clinic yourself, come to the emergency department of any maternity hospital or call the ambulance at 112.

If you start bleeding, call an ambulance immediately. Before the arrival of the doctors, you need to calm down and go to bed, putting ice on the lower abdomen and taking the position “on the left side”. It is important that regardless of the intensity of spotting, you should consult a doctor, only a doctor can decide how serious they are in your case.

Pain during pregnancy

Did you experience pain during pregnancy? Not only is this unpleasant, but it can also be dangerous. If the pain does not go away for a sufficiently long time, immediately call an ambulance team, the doctors will definitely determine the cause. nine0003

Do not take hemostatic (if the pain is accompanied by discharge) and painkillers (even those that seem harmless), do not take laxatives, antipyretics, as well as enemas and gastric lavage. All this can blur the picture of the disease and even aggravate its course.

Preeclampsia is a complication of a normal pregnancy.

A sudden severe headache should alert you and serve as a reason to call an ambulance. Such pain is predominantly localized in the back of the head or in the temporal regions and may be accompanied by visual disturbances, a veil before the eyes, a sensation of flashing dots or “flies”. There may also be pain in the upper quadrant of the abdomen, accompanied by nausea and severe vomiting. A woman feels excited or, conversely, a state of severe oppression. The pressure rises to very high numbers, there may be convulsions - from convulsive readiness with twitches in the face, upper limbs and neck to loss of consciousness with convulsions. nine0003

How to help yourself before the doctors arrive

Such conditions are life-threatening and require immediate medical intervention to save the life of the mother and child. If you are concerned about these signs (one or all at once), you must immediately call an ambulance. Before the arrival of the doctors, you should go to bed, turn off all sources of noise in the room, curtain the windows, one of your relatives should always be nearby, since assistance may be required if seizures occur. It is important to calm down as much as possible, pull yourself together, monitor your breathing. It is forbidden to take any medications for pressure, especially if the woman has never taken them before and does not know her reaction to the medicine.