Will a cold in a pregnant woman affect the fetus?

Whether a cold affects the fetus during pregnancy needs to be determined comprehensively based on the type of cold, the severity of the illness, and the presence of complications. Generally, the common cold has little effect on the fetus, as it is mostly caused by rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, and other pathogens that rarely cross the placental barrier. However, if the cold is caused by the influenza virus, especially severe influenza, it may have adverse effects on the fetus, such as fetal malformations, miscarriage, or premature birth. In addition, if the pregnant woman experiences symptoms such as high fever and difficulty breathing, or develops secondary complications like bronchitis or pneumonia, these may also negatively affect the fetus. Therefore, pregnant women should seek timely medical attention after developing a cold and follow medical advice to receive appropriate treatment, in order to promote recovery and avoid adverse effects on the fetus. At the same time, pregnant women should focus on preventing colds during pregnancy, enhance their immune system and resistance through proper nutrition and healthy lifestyle habits.