The content of the article
Despite the dynamic development of the modern pharmaceutical market, traditional medicine products occupy a serious niche among popular treatment methods. The demand for these simple but effective methods is also explained by the fact that, unlike expensive medicines, all of them are available at a price factor. They win in comparison with traditional medicines for another important indicator - safety. Therefore, many people in search of an effective method of treatment, for example, colds, studying the assortment of pharmacy counters, as a result, choose inexpensive herbal medicines or mustard plasters.
Pregnancy and Home Therapies
If for ordinary patients any time-tested remedy is available, for expectant mothers there are always restrictions on the choice of treatment method. And this, despite the fact that pregnant women are always at risk of becoming a victim of a viral infection. But, even if it is possible to withstand the attack of an invisible enemy, the hypothermia factor often works. Then the woman begins to pester the cough and runny nose colds. Wanting to alleviate her condition, the expectant mother, in search of a convenient treatment option in her position, recalls the “percussion” remedies of traditional medicine: decoctions of herbs, banks, foot baths and mustard plasters.
Of course, all of the above funds are effective. In addition, this list can be supplemented by a host of effective methods. But the possibility of their use during pregnancy is always fraught with huge risks for the expectant mother and fetus. Therefore, any, even the most harmless treatment option at any stage of pregnancy should be agreed with the doctor. This rule also applies to the application of such a popular procedure as mustard plasters.
The essence of the procedure
Known methods of applying mustard on the calf muscle or foot. And at high pressure they are applied to the back of the head. A lot of options, among them there are combined methods. But still, in most cases, this technique is resorted to with the manifestations of a cold.
How to apply mustard
When performing the procedure, the patient should be laid so that the place of exposure is as accessible as possible. Then packages with mustard powder are moistened with warm water, and then applied to the back or chest. In this case, it is important not to use the region of the heart.
To achieve the therapeutic effect, the patient should be covered with a warm blanket and left for 20 minutes. The duration of the procedure depends on the patient's age and sensitivity. When there is a strong burning sensation, mustard plasters must be removed immediately and the skin surface rinsed with clean water.
The advisability of using mustard plasters during pregnancy
There is no unanimous opinion of specialists on this issue: some believe that mustard plasters will not bring much harm to the pregnant woman and the fetus if the procedure is shortened, while others are categorically against this type of treatment during this period. Moreover, the ban applies to all stages of the unborn child, because in every trimester there are risks.
The effect of mustard plasters on the body of the expectant mother
Now let's try to explain what these limitations are related to. As noted above, mustard contains many essential components. All of them have powerful effects. Providing a warming effect on the respiratory tract, which is undoubtedly useful, mustard wrap is at the same time a very strong irritant. So, during the procedure, the channel of blood vessels in the area of exposure expands, and blood begins to circulate more actively, covering all parts of the body, including the uterus. This is a very undesirable phenomenon, as the fetus begins to experience a lack of oxygen due to the outflow of blood.
- First of all, you must consult with your doctor.
- The procedure should be shortened to a few minutes.
- Do not put mustard plasters at temperature.
- If a woman is allergic to mustard powder, she will also have to refuse such treatment.
Alternative Treatment Options
Given all the risks, it is still worth looking for other methods of treatment. For example, the effect of mustard plasters can be replaced by such a well-known procedure as an iodine grid. Excellent help cope with inhalation cough with medicinal herbs. You can try “honey massage” or instead of mustard plaster apply a sheet of cabbage greased with honey on the chest. It will help to eliminate the symptoms of the common cold by drinking herbal decoctions and milk with honey.
There are many more safe and very effective ways to treat colds that can replace mustard plasters. Therefore, the future mother does not make sense to take risks when there is a worthy alternative to the popular procedure.
Video: treating diseases during pregnancy
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