Ear Infections During First Trimester Pregnancy – Symptoms and Treatment

What are the Symptoms of an Ear Infection During Pregnancy?

An ear infection can cause a variety of symptoms. One of the most common symptoms of an ear infection is swelling in the inner or middle ear. However, the swelling inside the ear may go unnoticed. The doctor, on the other hand, will be able to see it while examining it.

The symptoms of ear infections include:

• Severe, throbbing pain in the ear
• Dull or sharp pain when you press the outer ear
• Hearing loss
• Ringing in ears
• Headache
• Itchiness inside ear
• Fluid discharge from the ear
• A feeling of pressure inside the ear

Causes of Ear Infections When Pregnant

There are a variety of reasons which can cause ear infections. Most of the time, ear infections develop due to:

• Colds
• Allergies
• Mucus
• Accumulation of earwax
• Sinus infections
• Swollen adenoids

When a bacteria or viral infection develops, it leads to inflammation, which causes blockage of the Eustachian tubes. This in turn causes the buildup of fluid in the middle ear, which develops into a full-blown infection.

During pregnancy, a woman’s immunity is weak and such infections tend to develop very easily. As a matter of fact, many women experience these infections intermittently during their pregnancy.

An ear infection can occur at any time during pregnancy – it could develop in the first trimester or also at the end of your pregnancy.

Can Ear Infections Harm the Baby?

Provided that the ear infection does not get into the bloodstream, it cannot harm the fetus. That is why it is important to see your doctor as soon as you notice signs of an ear infection.

Similarly, self-treatment of an ear infection with over-the-counter medications can harm your baby because many of these medications are not safe to use during pregnancy. Therefore, it is important to take ear infections during first-trimester pregnancy seriously.

How are Ear Infections in Pregnant Women Treated?

Ear infections are often bacterial and the infections may spread farther within your body, as immunity is compromised during pregnancy to a great extent. This might aggravate existing illnesses and also triggers other health problems. Therefore, it is mandatory to consult the doctor.

OTC medicines are available to soothe earaches. However, during pregnancy, it is always better to consult the doctor before self-treating. Many times, earaches resolve without causing any complications.

When your ear infection is a bit severe, your doctor can prescribe some safe medications to relieve pain. Medicated ear drops are also commonly prescribed. The drops can be directly inserted into the ear.

This way, the medicine works faster and will have a negligible effect on the growing fetus. To know which antibiotics are safe to have during pregnancy read here.

7 Best Home Remedies for Treating Ear Infections During Pregnancy

Home remedies that are tried and tested are a better option during pregnancy, but it is always suggested to get it checked with your doctor before undertaking any home remedies. Here are some home remedies that can be followed to reduce earache and infection.

1. Vinegar

Both apple cider vinegar and white vinegar are known to be good fighters against all kinds of fungus. Vinegar works on the fungus and removes it during the drainage process.

Take a spoonful of each vinegar and water and mix thoroughly. Lie down on the side with the infected ear on top. Soak a cotton plug into the mix and place it over the infected ear.

Keep it for 15 minutes and then remove the liquid by tilting the head in the opposite direction. Air-dry the ear completely. This can be done twice a day to get rid of the infection within a couple of days.

2. Salt Bag

If the earache is caused by cold or sinus, it can be relieved by placing a warm bag of salt or warm water bottle on the infected ear as it works as a hot compress. To make a salt bag, take 100g of salt in a pan and heat it.

Place the heated salt in a clean cotton cloth and make a pack out of it. Place the bag on the infected ear and give a light compress by dabbing it until the heat is lost.

3. Garlic Oil

Garlic is known for its antibacterial properties that can ward off the ear infection. Put three drops of garlic oil into the infected ear using a Q-tip. If the infection is severe, it can take a long time to heal.

4. Mineral or Olive Oil

Put two drops of mineral or olive oil into the infected ear. This oil breaks down the blocked wax, which can then quickly come out of the ear when tilted. You should visit a doctor if you continue to experience ear pain.

5. Warm Towel

Heat a towel using a heater or a tumble dryer until it is warm enough for you. Place the warm towel over the infected ear and give a light compress. It helps in relieving the pain.

6. Steam Inhalation

Steam inhalation is an age-old practice for any sinus, cold, and flu-related infection. It is also the safest method anyone can undertake. Inhalation of steam will loosen up the mucus and alleviate the ear pain and infection which is caused by cold, sinus, or flu.

If you have issues with your ears during pregnancy or suspect you have an ear infection, see your doctor right away. Remember, several other underlying conditions, such as high blood pressure, that require medical attention, can also induce earache.

FAQ’s

1. Can I Develop Ear Infections In My First Trimester?

Yes, you can. This is not uncommon. Many women suffer from this on and off during pregnancy.

2. Why do Women Develop Ear Infections in the First Trimester?

It could be hormonal changes. The body could be producing more mucus. Your sinus might act up during pregnancy, causing infections.

3. Will Early Pregnancy Ear Infection go Away on Its Own?

Sometimes it might. If it is a hormonal change, it can go away as hormones settle down. Sometimes, mild medications can help.

4. Can my Ear Infection During Pregnancy Hurt the Baby?

Generally, no. However, if left unattended, the infection can spread. If it gets into the bloodstream, it can reach the baby.

Also Read: All About Ears Popping During Pregnancy