Whatever and from what the pregnant woman is not treated, any of her actions during this period require deliberation and balance. Whether it is a drug or a medicinal herb, you can never talk about complete safety.
Especially many questions and difficulties arise with the treatment of viral diseases. As a rule, antiviral drugs work only when taken at a very early stage of the disease. But just from the first days, pregnant women are not in a hurry to take medicines: what if they manage to do without them? This raises a lot of questions and doubts. In particular, around such an antiviral agent as Oscillococcinum: is it possible, is it worth it, does it help, is it not harmful, etc. Let's find out.
It is a homeopathic antiviral medicine. It is used to prevent and treat influenza and SARS.
Like all homeopathy, Oscillococcinum works on the principle of curing like with like. In this case, the virus is destroyed by the virus. The active substance of this drug is an extract of the liver and heart of the Barbary duck infected with influenza (this bird is a carrier of the influenza virus). The dose of the drug is repeatedly diluted, and therefore is absolutely safe.
The drug is available in the form of small white granules, which are packaged in tubes of 1 gram - this is a single dose of the drug. One blister contains six such doses.
The tube must be opened and its contents poured out under the tongue, leaving the granules in the mouth until completely resorbed. Neither drink nor eat anything for 15-20 minutes after eating the granules, or take the medicine an hour after eating.
A single dose of the drug does not depend on the age of the patient, but the dosage regimen may differ depending on the state of health.
So, Oscillococcinum for the prevention of viral diseases is taken once a week - during the period of viral epidemics. In the acute stage of acute respiratory viral infections, when symptoms are just appearing, a single dose is taken three times with an interval of 6 hours. When the virus has already "played out", you should take one dose in the morning and evening for no more than 3 days. If it gets worse during treatment, you should consult a doctor.
It is important not to drink the granules and just dissolve them (in no case swallow or gnaw): the medicinal substance acts only in this way, being slowly absorbed into the mucous membranes of the oral cavity.
Such treatment is safe for pregnant women, and the first trimester is no exception. Moreover, it is in the first trimester that pregnant women most often “catch” the virus, because now their immunity is naturally reduced in order to give the fetal egg the opportunity to infiltrate the uterine wall and not be rejected.
If such a nuisance happened to you, then it is better to immediately take Oscillococcinum, preventing further development of a viral infection, because viruses carry a high risk for the development of the fetus (unlike this homeopathic remedy, which is completely safe for the embryo).
Regardless of the term (be it 1st or 2nd trimester), Oscillococcinum is safe for mother and child. However, you should not resort to taking it unnecessarily.
The instructions contain a warning that taking this remedy during pregnancy is possible only on the testimony of a doctor: this is necessary to prevent the uncontrolled use of homeopathic remedies, and in order not to miss the onset of a more serious illness requiring the use of other medicines.
Many people think that if homeopathy does not help, then at least it will not harm. But doctors emphasize that this is, nevertheless, a medicine, and it requires an appropriate attitude.
Oscillococcinum is well tolerated by patients, but allergic reactions are not excluded. If you notice any side effects in yourself, then you should definitely tell your doctor about it.
In addition, there is a possibility of individual intolerance to the components of the drug. In this regard, Oscillococcinum during pregnancy is prescribed carefully if a woman is allergic to meat or eggs of birds.
Be sure to pay attention to the presence of lactose and sucrose in the composition of the granules. Therefore, Oscillococcinum is not prescribed in conditions where the absorption and processing of these substances is impaired or difficult (with lactose intolerance or lactase deficiency, with glucose-galactose malabsorption).
The fact that this drug is well tolerated and does not cause negative consequences can be seen by reading reviews about it. But if you decide to study the popular opinion, does Oscillococcinum help during pregnancy, then it will not be so easy to make an unambiguous conclusion.
However, if at least once in your life you have looked for reviews on homeopathy, then you will not find anything unexpected this time either: some scold and ridicule, others praise and are content with the results. Oscillococcinum is exactly the same story, except for one nuance ...
Some believe that the Barbary duck does not even exist in nature (this is easy to check in a search engine); many are sure that such treatment is pure placebo (that is, it helps only those who believe in its effectiveness); someone even claims that studies have been conducted that have proven the absolute inefficiency of this tool (however, references to such studies could not be found).
But one cannot fail to note the fact that Oscillococcinum during pregnancy collects a lot of positive reviews. Moreover, women claim that the drug very often helps in the treatment of children of the first years of life, who a priori cannot inspire themselves with the effectiveness of homeopathy. True, they clarify at the same time, it is really possible to overcome the virus only if treatment is started when only hints of the onset of the disease appear: if all the signs have already shown themselves to the full, then you should not count on a quick cure, although some relief of the condition can still come. Among other advantages of Oscillococcinum, it is noted that it does not depress the immune system and does not disrupt the intestinal microflora, like many synthetic drugs, and also that it is approved for use in the first weeks of pregnancy, when almost any other treatment is prohibited. In addition, this tool is suitable for the whole family - from small to large, and does not cause side effects.
And now, regarding the "nuance": Oscillococcinum is not cheap. If you have already fallen ill, and even skeptical against homeopathy, then it is better not to spend money on such an expensive (albeit safe) medicine. But those who approve and practice homeopathic treatment are willing to shell out a tidy sum for trying to stop the virus at its first stage. At least, fans of Oscillococcinum believe that it’s worth a try at least once.
Whether you do it one way or another, you will be right either way. The main thing is to prevent the further development of the disease and its complications: it is absolutely necessary to be treated. And what - this is a question of an individual nature.
Do not be ill!
Especially for - Larisa Nezabudkina
It's no secret that a normal healthy pregnancy lasts for a woman 9 months or 40 obstetric weeks. During this rather long period, a woman's body is subject to various failures - ranging from sudden changes in hormonal levels, ending with common colds.
Naturally, a woman has a completely logical question - how can I cure if everyone around says that medication treatment during pregnancy is strictly prohibited? In this article we will try to answer this question. And in particular, is it worth taking a medicine for the treatment of a cold during pregnancy with a long and heavy name - Oscillococcinum?
The drug Oscillococcinum is declared as one that is allowed to be taken by patients at any stage of pregnancy for the treatment of colds. So what is this miracle drug - so effective and so harmless?
Oscillococcinum is a medicine that belongs to the homeopathic group, that is, it is made entirely from natural and herbal ingredients. Naturally, plant components cannot cause significant harm to a woman's body during pregnancy, and even more so, to the fetus.
The manufacturer of Oscillococcinum is a French pharmaceutical company - Boiron Laboratories.
The release form of the drug is small granules, which are placed in tubes.
The main developer of the drug Oscillococcinum is the French doctor J. Roy. The discovery of a drug for pregnant women was made at the beginning of the 20th century. And interestingly, since the production of this drug, you will not find a single negative feedback from patients - and this applies to both residents of France and countries around the world.
It has been proven that the use of the drug Oscillococcinum does not entail any harm to a pregnant woman who is in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd trimester. Also, Oscillococcinum does not affect the formation of the fetus and the laying of all its vital organs.
The French homeopathic preparation Oscillococcinum contains in its composition such medicinal substances as:
Why exactly such specific homeopathic substances were chosen by the French scientist. The explanation is quite interesting, as for an ordinary person (meaning not a doctor, and not a scientist).
All waterfowl carry the most known and common influenza viruses. Scientists J. Roy found that if you take the extracts of the organs of waterfowl and dilute them chemically to a weak concentration, you will end up with a remedy that fights all viruses known to date.
The medicine Oscillococcinum contains the basic homeopathic principle - we treat like with like so as not to harm the body.
As soon as a woman enters the physiological state of pregnancy, a natural decrease in immunity is observed in her body.
The reasons for the decrease in immunity during pregnancy are quite easy to explain:
It is forbidden to take any medications, and even more so, antibiotics, in the 1st trimester of pregnancy. The first trimester of pregnancy is 12 obstetric weeks. It is during this period that all organs of the child, as well as vital systems, are laid and formed. Medicines taken by a pregnant woman can cause irreparable harm to the baby.
Therefore, Oscillococcinum is the only medically approved treatment option for colds. The drug does not have any negative impact on the formation of the internal organs and systems of the child's vital activity.
So, how to properly treat a cold during pregnancy? Indeed, treatment during pregnancy is a big problem, as it has already been said above, almost all medications are contraindicated during this period.
At the same time, other colds can lead to serious and sometimes even catastrophic complications of pregnancy - in particular, to miscarriage in the 2nd and 3rd trimester. Therefore, in order to prevent any complications during pregnancy, and even more so not to lead to the death of the fetus, it is necessary to start taking decisive measures in time.
In particular, homeopathic medicines are chosen for treatment, which are allowed by general practitioners and gynecologists around the world to be taken during pregnancy (without harm to health).
The homeopathic remedy Oscillococcinum is used by women not only for the treatment of colds that have appeared, but also for prevention.
Oscillococcinum can be taken by pregnant women without much fear for the life of their child.
This medication is started to be taken as a prophylaxis if pregnancy occurs in autumn-winter. Moreover, it does not take into account which trimester a woman is in. As indicated above, Oscillococcinum does not harm the fetus.
If it so happened that you fell ill with a cold during pregnancy, then, in this case, you must immediately start taking Oscillococcinum.
With its help, you can significantly reduce the duration of a cold, your temperature will drop quite quickly, the signs of SARS and flu will pass in the form of a cough, and your general well-being will improve.
The development of the baby directly depends on the health of the expectant mother. Any disease becomes a threat to the developing organism of the child. The best way to prevent illness during pregnancy is to strengthen the immune system. If the disease has already begun, you should choose the means that have a minimal effect on the body of the expectant mother and baby. A popular immunomodulatory and therapeutic drug is Oscillococcinum. Is it safe to use this remedy during pregnancy?
The main active ingredient of the drug Oscillococcinum is an extract of the heart and liver of the Barbary duck, supplemented with sucrose and lactose. Waterfowl are carriers of viral infections. Extracts from the internal organs of birds in a very small concentration are able to overcome viruses that enter the body. Due to the absence of chemical elements in the composition, the medicine has no contraindications. Granules are absolutely safe, even during pregnancy.
According to doctors, in the first trimester of pregnancy (the first 12 weeks), the expectant mother should refrain from taking any medications. At this stage, the formation of the internal organs of the baby and the accelerated development of the placenta. Taking medication during this period can provoke deviations in the development of the child. In the II and III trimesters of pregnancy, Oscillococcinum can be used without fear for the health of the baby.
Homeopathic granules for resorption -
The drug is prescribed for the purpose of:
It should be borne in mind that there is no scientific justification for the effectiveness of the drug. Some doctors are of the opinion that the minimum dose of a therapeutic agent can only slightly affect the course of the disease. Others, on the contrary, note the high effectiveness of the use of Oscillococcinum for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes, including in pregnant women.
Before using, be sure to consult your doctor!
In order to prevent the drug should be used once a week for 2 months (in the autumn-winter period). The granule is placed under the tongue and held until completely dissolved. In the treatment of flu or colds, the dosage is increased. With the appearance of the first symptoms of the disease, 1 granule is taken per day for 6 days. Pronounced forms of the disease can be cured by taking 2 granules of the drug per day: in the morning and in the evening. The drug should be taken 15 minutes before a meal or half an hour after a meal.
Due to the minimum content of the homeopathic active substance, Oscillococcinum has no contraindications for use. The only possible side effect is an allergic reaction to one of the components of the drug. Information on overdose has not been identified.
| Name | Active substance | Release form | Indications for use | Contraindications |
| Interferon human | Ointment for external use, gel for external use, rectal suppositories | Treatment and prevention of influenza and SARS, viral skin lesions | ||
| Antibodies to human interferon gamma | Lozenges | SARS, influenza, neuroviral and herpetic infections | Hypersensitivity to the components of the drug | |
| Purple echinacea herb | Solution for oral administration | Strengthening immunity, prevention of viral and colds | Autoimmune diseases, allergy to Asteraceae inflorescences | |
| Lysozyme + pyridoxine | Lozenges | Treatment of infectious diseases of the oral cavity, herpetic infections | Lactose intolerance, hypersensitivity to drug components | |
| Antibodies to human interferon gamma, antibodies to histamine | Lozenges | Treatment and prevention of viral infections, treatment of allergies | Individual intolerance to the components of the drug |
Pills to strengthen immunity 
Candles for the prevention and treatment of viral diseases 
Lozenges 
Drops to strengthen immunity 
Gel Viferon 
It is possible to replace Oscillococcinum with another drug only with the permission of a doctor!
To increase immunity and improve overall well-being, a number of recommendations should be followed:
Seasonal viral infections develop in pregnant women in the same way as in other categories of the population. That's just in the gestational period, they are quite difficult to treat, because most antiviral drugs are prohibited for pregnant women, and alternative methods are not always effective. If a woman in an “interesting” position had to get sick with a cold, the doctor may prescribe a safe drug, Oscillococcinum. How to drink it during pregnancy and should complications be expected?
Oscillococcinum belongs to the number of homeopathic medicines that regulate the protective functions of the body. The first batch of the drug became commercially available in 1925. The manufacturer was the French company BOIRON.
The active ingredients are enclosed in small granules, which are packaged in tubes (cases) of a cylindrical shape. The main function of Oscillococcinum is to increase the body's ability to resist viruses, especially all strains of influenza. Due to the naturalness of all components, Oscillococcinum is widely used in obstetrics and pediatrics.
The active substances of Oscillococcinum are extracts from natural products of animal origin - the heart and liver of the Barbary duck. Lactose and regular sucrose are used as auxiliary components.
Such active substances of Oscillococcinum were used for a reason. The French physician J. Roy decided to take advantage of the properties of ducks, which are carriers of most strains of viruses. He received an extract from the liver and heart and prepared tablets based on it. According to the principle of homeopathy, like cures like, so the minimum concentration of duck viruses should treat human viruses. Having tested the theory in practice, the doctor proved the ability of Oscillococcinum to destroy viruses, thereby facilitating the course of influenza and SARS.
Oscillococcinum has been used in obstetric practice since the 20th century, and so far not a single fact of the negative effect of the drug on pregnancy has been recorded.
Long-term practice has confirmed the safety of the drug, so taking Oscillococcinum during pregnancy, even in the 1st trimester, does not threaten the baby. However, the manufacturer insists that the period of early pregnancy is not the best time for treatment with Oscillococcinum and recommends taking it in case of emergency. This is due to the fact that the manufacturing company has not conducted official studies involving pregnant women.
Doctors confirm that the risk of developing abnormalities in the development of the fetus during treatment with the drug is completely absent. But if in the first trimester the treatment is carried out with caution, then taking Oscillococcinum during pregnancy from the 2nd trimester is completely safe for the expectant mother and baby.
Important! Although Oscillococcinum is homeopathic, its use during gestation must be justified. Therefore, it is prescribed only for the prevention of harmful influenza or for well-established indications in accordance with the instructions.
Oscillococcinum is prescribed in all three trimesters in case of infection of a pregnant woman with the influenza virus. Also, the drug is taken for ARVI in combination with fever, cough, malaise. The doctor sets the dosage and duration of treatment at his discretion or according to the recommendations from the manufacturer.
This drug is taken orally. The content of one tube (this is 1 g of the drug) is poured under the tongue and absorbed.
During the seasonal spread of influenza, a pregnant woman is prescribed Oscillococcinum for prevention. To prevent a woman from becoming a target for viruses, it is enough to take one dose of Oscillococcinum granules once a week.
If infection with the influenza virus has already occurred, then a full treatment with Oscillococcinum is carried out. Use during pregnancy - one tube 2-3 times a day with an interval of 6-7 hours. If relief does not occur within three days, the doctor reconsiders the treatment tactics.
Important! In order for Oscillococcinum to enter the bloodstream without obstacles and have a therapeutic effect, the granules should be taken 20 minutes before or one hour after a meal.
The annotation to the drug states that taking Oscillococcinum is allowed if there are no contraindications. Despite the fact that there are no complaints about intolerance to homeopathic granules, the drug is not prescribed in such cases:
On a note! Oscillococcinum practically does not cause adverse reactions. Only occasionally mild allergic rashes and pruritus are noted.
This homeopathic medicine causes a double attitude towards itself. Some prefer Oscillococcinum to traditional synthetic drugs against viruses, others categorically do not believe in its effectiveness, believing that an insignificant concentration of active substances cannot have a therapeutic effect on the body.
Nevertheless, the demand for Oscillococcinum is quite considerable. Pregnant women take it without fear and are quite satisfied with the result. In addition, a big plus of the drug is its compatibility with pregnancy, while other antiviral drugs pose a threat to the baby.
As for the point of view of doctors, many obstetrician-gynecologists doubt the effectiveness of Oscillococcinum, arguing that taking an extract from duck organs can only have a placebo effect. The same opinion about these granules and all the opponents of homeopathy. Adding to the confusion is the fact that there is not a single clinically proven evidence in favor of the effectiveness of Oscillococcinum. Moreover, a number of researchers even declare that there is nothing else in this preparation besides sucrose.
Nevertheless, pregnant women not only in France, but also in other countries respond very flatteringly and assure of the high antiviral properties of Oscillococcinum.
During epidemics of SARS, it is extremely difficult to avoid infection. After all, not all sick citizens sit at home, many suffer a cold on their feet, while infecting others. Expectant mothers are especially at risk of infection, because during this time in women immunity is reduced. Let's see if Oscillococcinum can be taken during pregnancy.
Banal cold in the absence of adequate treatment can give serious complications. The female body is especially weakened during pregnancy. However, the treatment of expectant mothers is not an easy task, since many effective medicines are contraindicated for them. Especially carefully you need to choose drugs in the early stages, since at this time the formation of the fetus occurs, and any negative factors can harm the baby.
Many expectant mothers prefer to be treated during a cold with folk remedies. However, this is not always the right decision. Firstly, they may not be effective enough, and secondly, not all herbs are harmless. Therefore, before you start taking any infusion or decoction, you must always consult a gynecologist.
You need to understand that viral infections are not safe for the baby, and at any time during pregnancy. So, flu or a cold can give a complication one to two weeks after the onset of the first symptoms of the disease, provided that the disease was not treated, or the therapy was inadequate. Therefore, expectant mothers should not let everything take its course when signs of the disease appear. It is necessary to consult a doctor and undergo the prescribed course of treatment.
So, if the doctor deems it necessary to prescribe medication, do not ignore his advice. The specialist will select medicines that will help defeat the infection and will not harm the unborn baby. These agents include Oscillococcinum.
The described drug is a homeopathic remedy, it contains:
The last component is the main active ingredient, although its percentage is small. The extract activates the body's natural defenses, speeding up the healing process.
Currently, one can hear opposing opinions regarding the usefulness and effectiveness of this tool. Supporters claim that it quickly cures viral diseases, since the extract included in the composition is obtained from the organs of a bird with a viral infection.
Opponents of the remedy claim that Oscillococcinum consists mainly of sugar, that is, it will not be able to assist in the treatment. Often, experts recommend taking the drug in combination with other drugs that are safe for pregnant women.
Like many other homeopathic remedies, Oscillococcinum is sold as white granules. The product dissolves well and is completely odorless. The drug is packaged in special tubes, one package includes three tubes.
It is generally accepted that expectant mothers can take Oscillococcinum granules. However, no scientific studies have been conducted on the effect of fetal active ingredients. And it is impossible to say unfoundedly that the drug does not refuse a negative effect on pregnancy. At the same time, not a single case has been recorded that any complications during pregnancy or in the development of the fetus were provoked by taking Oscillococcinum.
Thus, Oscillococcinum is included in the list of drugs that can be taken even in the early stages. Moreover, the instruction recommends the drug for use not only for treatment, but also for prevention.
The manufacturer guarantees that when expectant mothers take the drug, there are no complications, moreover, you can take the medicine without paying attention to what trimester the pregnancy is currently taking.
Advice! The first trimester is the period up to 13 weeks. It is considered the most difficult, since it is in the first trimester that the risks of abortion and the development of pathologies in the fetus are high. Therefore, taking any medication at this time is fraught. However, the instruction for Oscillococcinum recommends this remedy for use at any time, even if the first trimester has not yet ended.
However, doctors do not always share this point of view, so if the first trimester of pregnancy is in progress, the expectant mother should consult her gynecologist before starting to take Oscillococcinum. If the second or third trimester has already begun, then this drug can be taken without special restrictions, but, of course, with strict adherence to the prescribed dosage.
The manufacturer indicates that the composition of the product does not contain substances that could pose a threat to the baby, so this drug is often recommended to be taken to prevent the disease during epidemics, or to treat SARS if the expectant mother is still sick.
When does it make sense to take Oscillococcinum? This homeopathic remedy is recommended to start drinking as soon as the first signs of a cold appear. If the disease is already in an advanced stage, it is useless to take homeopathic remedies, they will not bring recovery closer. This drug is prescribed for:
In addition, you can drink the drug to prevent diseases if the expectant mother is forced to visit crowded places during epidemics.
The dosage of the drug is determined depending on the severity and stage of the disease, but such indicators as weight, trimester of pregnancy, age do not matter.
As already noted, the drug is sold packaged in tubes. And one tube is one dose of the drug. Let's figure out how to drink this remedy:
Medication dosage:
If on the second day after the start of therapy there are no signs of improvement, then you should consult a doctor to prescribe another drug.
To date, no cases have been recorded so that taking Oscillococcinum caused negative side reactions. The drug is well tolerated by patients, including expectant mothers. However, the development of an allergic reaction with intolerance to any of the components of the remedy is not excluded.
There are few contraindications to taking the drug, but they exist. Therefore, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with their list before the start of admission. An absolute contraindication to treatment with a homeopathic remedy is intolerance to the ingredients, therefore Oscillococcinum is prohibited for use:
The opinion of experts on the homeopathic preparation Oscillococcinum is ambiguous. Many doctors consider this remedy to be effective, and recommend using it to prevent or treat viral infections (flu, ODS). Others believe that the effect of using the drug is nothing more than a placebo effect. However, the drug is popular among the population, it can be prescribed to a woman at any stage of pregnancy.
