Flu Like Symptoms Before Labor: What to expect?

Are you also experiencing symptoms of flu before labor? And wondering how to treat them while pregnant?

My wife also faced the same issue during pregnancy.

So, what are some flu like symptoms before labor?

Slightly cold, congestion, runny nose, headache, chest congestion, sore throat, body pain, and lower back pain. These symptoms may be a common sign that you are near to going into your final weeks. During pregnancy, the woman’s immune system goes through a sensitive phase, which could make her susceptible to flu and fever. 

These Flu-like symptoms can be caused by the physical strain of pregnancy and the natural hormonal changes that occur as the body prepares for childbirth. If you are experiencing Flu-like symptoms and are close to your due date, you may be in the early stages of your due date.

To avoid freaking out when you suddenly start feeling ill, learn more about this symptom as a sign of labor.

What are some early flu-like symptoms before labor?

Before a week or so, you may feel flu-like symptoms before your labor. At the same time, it may be unpleasant for you and can cause worry to you about your baby’s arrival. Well, it’s okay if the fever is under control, but if it gets severe, you need to worry a little bit.

Here are some early symptoms to keep a check and have a heads up for the same:-

  • Cough– coughing is suggestive of blocked airways. If the cough is chronic (lasting longer than eight weeks), immediately consult your doctor.
  • A runny nose can be caused by flu or a sinus infection. It usually goes away in less than a week or so. 
  • Sore Throat– scratchy or pain causing irritation in the throat. It can be caused by flu, viral infection, or cold.
  • Fever– the normal temperature of the adult human body is 98.6°F, but when it goes beyond the 100°F in the thermometer, it’s fever. It is usually accompanied by chills or body shakes. It may be indicative that your immune system is under attack.

Flu Like Symptoms Before Labor

Other symptoms may include:-

  • Backache– During the third trimester, you may experience sudden back pains. The muscles in your lower back get stretched as they prepare for labor. This stretch strains the joints around the cervix causing back pain.
  • Vomiting and diarrhea– Diarrhea in the late stages of labor pregnancy is considered a sign of a baby approaching labor. Around this time, the muscles around the pelvic region get to loosen up, causing Diarrhea. Vomiting can be a sign of labor transition. 
  • Nesting– Like every other animal, the human mother prepares for labor. It is a sudden urge to clean and organize the home for the baby-to-be. 

Several subtle signs of labor may indicate that delivery is imminent. Some of these include Lightening (the feeling that the baby has dropped lower into the pelvis), Bloody Show (a small amount of vaginal bleeding that occurs when the cervix begins to dilate (open) in preparation for labor, and Contraction.

It is important to remember that these signs may vary from woman to woman, and not all women will experience all of them. If you are concerned that you may be in labor, you should contact your doctor for further evaluation and guidance.

How to treat the flu during pregnancy?

If you get flu before your labor, have it treated soon, as it can pose serious problems to the mother and the baby. 

  • Vaccine– it is usually safe to have yourself get vaccinated if your body develops flu-like symptoms. This is because pregnant women are at more risk of complications than normal adults. There are two types of flu shots:- 
  1. The flu shot Pregnant women should get the flu immunization. It includes viruses that have been destroyed (are no longer active). This vaccination will not give you the flu.
  2. The nasal spray-type flu vaccine- is not authorized for pregnant women.

  Side effects of vaccines may include:- Muscle aches, fever, and headache. 

  • Testing– Most people do not need to get tested. Pregnant women should not be treated while providers await the results of tests. Urgent care clinics and doctor’s offices frequently provide rapid tests.
  • Antiviral medicines– It is recommended to begin antiviral medications during the first 48 hours after acquiring symptoms; however, antivirals can be administered after this time frame.

Self-care tips to protect you and your baby from the flu?

Flu can wear you down before you are expecting labor. So, it is best to take precautions and protect yourself from being in an unpleasant phase. The most important thing during pregnancy is taking enough rest (8 hours of sound sleep).

Drink a lot of water, and keep yourself hydrated during the whole process, as pregnancy puts a heavy load on your body and uses up a lot of fluid. 

You can gargle with warm water to help yourself with a sore throat. Can also add honey to your tea to clear your esophageal canal or you can try cumin tea.

It is usually best to avoid cold medicines, especially during the first trimester of your pregnancy. However, you can get Tylenol, an over-the-counter medication (OTC) that is usually considered safe during pregnancy. But try to limit regular exposure. 

But remember, if you are taking antibiotics, let your doctor or midwife know. 

Here is a short video that will provide you with more home remedies to manage your cold and flu during pregnancy.

Some FAQs

Q1: Why do I feel sick at 37 weeks pregnant?

Ans. It is common to have flu during the early stages of your pregnancy. Don’t panic; just take proper care of your body mentally and physically, and you will be okay. Take proper rest and drink a lot of water. If you develop serious conditions, then consult your doctor.

Q2: Can flu cause congenital disabilities?

Ans. An unwell pregnant woman may be more likely to have a baby with a congenital disability if she has a cold or flu with a fever. Study results indicate that women with colds or influenza with fevers before or during early pregnancy may have a higher risk of giving birth to a baby with a congenital disorder.

Q3: How long does the flu last?

Ans. Flu symptoms generally appear 1 to 3 days after getting infected. Vaccinating yourself can reduce illness and protect you from future infections. 

Q4: What triggers labor?

Ans. According to researchers, the most crucial labor trigger is a rush of hormones secreted by the fetus. Upon responding to this hormone surge, the mother’s uterus’ muscles shift, allowing her cervix to open.

Conclusion

Which advice from this post are you going to attempt first, please? I now want to hear from you.

Are you paying attention to how you nest? If you have the flu, getting a flu vaccination is an excellent idea. Or a gargle can help you feel better.

Or perhaps there’s something I overlooked.

In either case, please let me know straight away by leaving a comment below.

My name is Mark Joseph, and I’m on a mission to help new parents navigate the world of parenting. With over 5 years of experience as a parenting coach, I’m here to provide you with insight into all aspects of pregnancy, childbirth, and raising your newborn baby. Instagram Linkedln Facebook

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