Does pregnancy cold and cough affect the fetus?

Patient's question:

Patient Gender: Female
Doctor:
Coughed during pregnancy with a cold, inflammation (bacterial infection). Will it affect the fetus? What should I do?

Doctor's answer:

When a pregnant woman gets a cold, it has two impacts on the fetus:
1. The virus may directly enter the fetus through the placenta, potentially causing congenital heart disease, cleft lip, hydrocephalus, anencephaly, and microcephaly.
2. The indirect effects of high fever and metabolic disorders caused by the cold, as well as the toxins produced, may stimulate uterine contractions, leading to miscarriage or premature birth.
Guidelines: Therefore, it is important to prevent colds. The following are some treatment methods:
For mild colds with only sneezing, runny nose, and mild cough, medication is not necessary. Rest and drink plenty of water, as the condition often improves on its own. If symptoms do not improve, traditional Chinese medicine can be used. If high fever or severe cough occurs, medical attention should be sought.
For fever reduction, a damp towel can be used for cold compresses, or 30%–35% alcohol (or diluted with water to half strength) can be applied to the neck and armpits. Also, Bupleurum injection can be used. Pregnant women with prolonged high fever or those with bacterial infections combined with colds should seek medical treatment promptly at a formal hospital.