Every pregnant woman knows firsthand that during the period of carrying a baby her body undergoes various changes and is more susceptible to all kinds of diseases. The problems that arise in expectant mothers include swelling - both limbs and faces. And one of the most commonly prescribed anti-edema drugs is Eufillin. However, is it possible to take Eufillina tablets against edema during pregnancy?
Why fight swelling, and why they appear
Many pregnant women are familiar with a disease such as gestosis. This is a complication characterized by the occurrence of edema and protein in the urine, as well as high blood pressure. In the presence of these symptoms, a woman needs medical intervention, since this is fraught with a risk to the life of both the baby and herself.
But the swelling by itself, without the presence of other factors, is basically not dangerous. They can appear if too much fluid accumulates in the body of a pregnant woman. This happens due to the active growth of the uterus from the second trimester of pregnancy. Increasing, it presses on the pelvis and veins, which leads to impaired blood circulation and, as a result, fluid stagnation. Edema appears, usually on the legs, especially on the ankles. As a rule, they do not pose any threat, and after childbirth everything goes by itself. But if suddenly the edema passes from the lower half of the trunk to the upper, especially to the face, here we can already talk about swelling - a form of development of late toxicosis. This can provoke serious disruptions in the development of the child, therefore, turning to a doctor in this case becomes necessary.
How to determine if there is swelling
Understanding whether you swell is very simple. If it seems to you that some place on your body is swollen, just press on it for a few seconds and see if the cavity remains. If left - this is edema, if not - ordinary swelling. In addition, to understand that you have swelling, you can follow the traces of the clothes - for example, socks that have not been pressed before, now cut into the skin, underwear, which was fit, is now pressing hard, and putting shoes on is generally problematic since the leg it simply does not fit there.
What is Eufillin
During pregnancy from edema, a drug called Eufillin is often prescribed. It, in fact, has a lot of properties, and it can not be called a medicine exclusively for pregnant women. Rather, the opposite. But first things first.
“Eufillin” is found both in tablets and in ampoules or in solution. This is a very powerful drug, which is mainly prescribed for diseases of the bronchi or biliary tract. It relaxes the muscles of the organs (bronchi, blood vessels, uterus and others), as a result of which the cramps cease, and the pain goes away. Another important property of Eufillin is the prevention of thrombosis. The main active ingredient in the composition of this drug is aminophylline. This is an antispasmodic, however, in different forms of the drug its content varies.
Indications
Recommendations for the use of “Eufillin” include bronchial asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, other disorders of the respiratory system, cerebrovascular accident, kidney problems. Injections of the drug are prescribed for emergency conditions, in addition, in some cases electrophoresis is also done with it: for osteochondrosis, arthritis, vegetovascular dystonia, and so on.
"Eufillin" during pregnancy
With edema, expectant mothers, if they require the use of any drug, are often prescribed exactly “Eufillin”. Firstly, because by relaxing the muscles of the organs (of all organs, and hence the uterus), it prevents the threat of miscarriage or premature birth. Secondly, the medication perfectly removes excess salt from the body, respectively, and the amount of fluid in it decreases.
As a rule, if women begin to swell, then in the second trimester. Then appoint "Eufillin." In some cases, gynecologists recommend combining its use with dietary supplements, in which there is magnesium, calcium and vitamin B6. At the same time, it is important to know that it is undesirable to give injections of this drug to pregnant women, and you can drink tablets only in short courses - for several days. However, sometimes "Eufillin" from edema during pregnancy is prescribed for a much longer time.
However, we must remember that it can be taken only in the case when more and more gentle means have been tried, and nothing has brought the desired result. "Eufillin" has an effect on the fetus, and not only positive (more on this below). Thus, there is no need to talk about the perfect safety of this medicine, and therefore it is absolutely forbidden for pregnant women to self-medicate in this matter. Many gynecologists are categorically against this drug, considering it more dangerous for the mother and child than useful. They prefer to replace the appointment of “Eufillin” with its analogues or folk remedies.
Contraindications
Oddly enough, despite the rather frequent prescriptions of doctors, it is not recommended to use “Eufillin” for edema during pregnancy. This is eloquently testified by the instruction of the drug. Nevertheless, if a woman does not have any concomitant diseases, and her attending physician considers the use of “Eufillin” acceptable and justified - so be it. However, special attention should be paid to the following: pregnant women are strictly prohibited “Eufillin” if they suffer:
- low pressure;
- ulcers and gastritis;
- heart diseases such as arrhythmia, tachycardia, coronary insufficiency;
- renal and hepatic insufficiency;
- allergy to caffeine;
- hypersensitivity to the components of the drug;
- epilepsy;
- atherosclerosis;
- hypothyroidism;
- vegetovascular dystonia.
It should always be remembered that when using Eufillin in the first trimester of pregnancy, there is a risk of developing hypoxia (lack of oxygen) in the baby, and this can lead to his death. In the second and third trimester, the use of the drug is fraught with the appearance of tachycardia in the baby, and hence, heart problems in the future. “Eufillin” will surely help a future mother get rid of edema, but she will also have a 100% negative impact on both the child and herself (especially if she is ill with any of the above). The consequences of such exposure can be the saddest and lead to the death of both the woman and her baby. Likewise, you should not drink "Eufillin" while breastfeeding.
Dosage
What should be the dosage of “Eufillin” from edema during pregnancy, and also in what way to take the drug, is decided exclusively by the leading woman gynecologist. A woman is required only to strictly comply with all his instructions and stop taking the drug at the slightest discomfort, which had not previously occurred, since an overdose of the drug is extremely dangerous. An important point to remember when taking "Eufillin": you can not do this before bedtime, as well as on an empty stomach, before eating, because the digestive system can fail. The most suitable period for taking the medicine is an hour and a half after eating, drinking plenty of water.
As a rule, they begin to take "Eufillin" very carefully, in minimal doses, and then, if necessary, increase the amount of medication. If a woman can take pills on her own (usually you need to drink one tablet three times a day), then in the case of an injection, it is best to seek help from a qualified specialist. In addition, droppers with Eufillin are often prescribed for edema during pregnancy.
Side effects
There are a lot of side effects as well as contraindications for Eufillin: insomnia, low blood pressure, headaches and dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, anxiety, agitated state, tremor, palpitations, lethargy, allergies, arrhythmia, tachycardia, angina pectoris , heartburn, cramps, sweating ... This is not a complete list, it can go on and on. If at least some symptoms appear after the start of taking "Eufillina", you should immediately stop using the drug and bring it to the attention of the doctor.
Overdose
Another important and dangerous point in the case of Eufillin is an overdose. It is in principle unpleasant, but an overdose of this particular drug can even lead to death. Photophobia, pain in the stomach, decreased appetite, gastrointestinal bleeding, confused consciousness - all this speaks of an excess of the amount of Eufillin in the body. You should immediately consult a doctor who will prescribe the appropriate treatment - gastric lavage, activated charcoal, and so on. In addition, it is strictly forbidden to drink strong tea and coffee while taking Eufillin, otherwise an overdose is guaranteed.
Reviews on the use of "Eufillina" from edema during pregnancy
Expectant mothers leave conflicting reviews about the drug - both positive and negative. Those who speak well about this medicine note instant relief of breathing, the disappearance of edema, weight loss. Women notice that they were prescribed medication because of the appearance of a large amount of protein and high pressure in their urine - that is, with signs of gestosis. They also report the birth of absolutely healthy babies and the absence of any anxiety. Asthmatics are also found among those who use this remedy. They were prescribed droppers with Eufillin for edema during pregnancy. Their reviews are extremely favorable: if not for the medicine, they say, they would suffocate. Many at first tried something else, and only after that turned to Eufillin. At the same time, some women whom doctors prescribed the use of the drug after reading about side effects and being afraid to use it, told doctors that the drug did not suit them for any reason.
In negative reviews about "Eufillin" during pregnancy from edema, a negative reaction of the baby is noted. Moms say that after taking the drug, the child in his stomach began to behave differently - more restlessly. They also write about dizziness, heart pain, and palpitations. Often there is a lack of sleep, a mention of nausea, moreover, as a rule, in reviews of Eufillin tablets. In pregnancy, swelling helps cranberries or cranberry juice - this is noted by all opponents of this drug. “There are many simpler drugs” - such words are said by everyone who in one way or another has encountered the negative effect of “Eufillin.” Some note that they helped exclusively childbirth, and some - that hospitalization in pathology.
Alternatives
“Eufillin” for edema during pregnancy is really risky to use, as has been repeatedly understood from the above. From today there are a great many ways to deal with unpleasant sores, including swelling. Of the drugs, it is possible to note much more harmless: “Magne B6 Forte”, “Kanefron”, “Fitolizin”, “Theophylline”, “Theopec”, magnesia, “Hofitol”.
Among other things, there are a bunch of folk methods. So, you need to move more, especially for those who have a sedentary lifestyle. When resting, you should raise your legs so that they are above the body. Physical activity is also welcome (of course, moderate, allowed for pregnant women), as long as possible walks in the fresh air, and massage.
Another important factor in the fight against edema during pregnancy is diet. It is recommended to remove from the diet all salty, smoked, sweet, spicy. You can’t eat nuts, olives, drink sparkling water. But you can and should consume more milk, green and herbal tea and plain water. Nevertheless, doctors advise you not to get involved with drinking - no more than one and a half liters per day.
Thus, every pregnant woman should make a decision to take Eufillin together with her doctor, taking into account all the associated factors and risks. And remember: even if the drug is prescribed for you, but it is scary to drink it for any reason, there are many other, really harmless analogues that can be used if necessary. Health to you!