Having Flu-Like Symptoms Before Labor – 5 Encouraging Signs You’re Ready for the Big Day

As a mother-to-be, you’re likely to encounter numerous body changes during pregnancy. These changes can weaken your immune system, making you more vulnerable to viruses. With your focus on a healthy pregnancy and delivery, having flu-like symptoms before labor might be the last thing you want to deal with.

While flu-like symptoms during the third trimester may appear severe, they could be early signs of labor. The flu is a contagious illness with symptoms such as fever, chills, body aches, headaches, and fatigue. Since your body changes during pregnancy, your immune system becomes weakened, making you prone to various infections.

Experiencing flu-like symptoms before labor can be an uncertain time, and hearing stories from other moms might scare you. However, there’s no need to fret as we’ll guide you through what to expect and how to take care of yourself and your baby.

Having Flu-Like Symptoms Before Labor

Flu is a contagious respiratory infection caused by a virus that can spread from person to person through coughing or sneezing. When pregnant, your body undergoes significant changes that can weaken your immune system and increase your vulnerability to illnesses. As a result, flu during pregnancy can be more severe than in non-pregnant women.

It’s important to note that not all flu-like symptoms during pregnancy necessarily indicate the flu. In some cases, these symptoms could be a sign of early labor approaching, particularly if they occur close to your due date. Nevertheless, it’s essential to be cautious and take care of your health and that of your baby.

Getting vaccinated against the flu during pregnancy can significantly reduce your risk of developing severe infections. Unvaccinated pregnant women are more susceptible to flu-related complications, which can lead to hospitalization or even death. Therefore, it’s recommended to consult your healthcare provider and receive the flu vaccine during pregnancy to protect both you and your baby.

What Are The Symptoms

Some symptoms of the flu in pregnancy include

• Loss of appetite

• Dry cough

• Sore throat

• The onset of high fever

• Headache

• Chills

• Fatigue

• Nasal congestions

• Muscle aches

• Vomiting and diarrhea

Are Flu-Like Symptoms Signs Of Labor

Having flu-like symptoms does not mean that you are about to go into labor. Some women may have experienced symptoms of the flu just before labor; especially when it’s one or two weeks before their due date. As the body prepares for the baby, various hormonal changes occur. In some cases, these changes could be connected to some of these symptoms being experienced.

While flu-like symptoms before labor include; body aches, runny nose, sneezing, tiredness, and changes in bowel movement, there are subtle signs that mimic flu symptoms and show you are in labor. They are; 

1. Backaches

This happens when the baby’s head settles in your cervix. The pressure on your spine and nerves is usually the culprit behind the aches. When backaches become intense and are accompanied by contractions it is an indication of labor.

2. Nausea and diarrhea

Some women experience nausea and diarrhea late into pregnancy. Nausea and diarrhea in the last weeks of pregnancy are usually because it is the body’s way of emptying the bowels to allow the uterus to contract efficiently.

Flu-like symptoms before labor normally start a few days before contractions begin, so you should pay close attention to your body to be prepared for labor. Other things that may help you know when it is time for labor are

1. Bloody show

Light vaginal bleeding can occur toward the end of the pregnancy. You may notice bloody discharge after you use the restroom and wipe. It is a typical sign that labor is approaching.

Flu-like symptoms and a bloody discharge make women feel like labor is imminent but, you cannot rely on only these signs as proof of labor. 

2. Frequent toilet visits

An urge to visit the toilet which is caused by your baby’s head pressing against your bowels

3. Expulsion of the mucus plug

The mucus plug is a thick mucus membrane that is released from your body during labor and delivery. It helps block bacteria from entering your uterus. When the mucus plug is expelled, it means that the cervix has started to thin out and open up.

While having flu-like symptoms during pregnancy is unpleasant, ensure you contact your doctor if the signs do not go away on their own or they gradually worsen. 

Is Flu Dangerous During Pregnancy

Complications from having the flu can arise during pregnancy. Even if you are healthy and have a low-risk pregnancy, catching the flu could be a cause for serious concern. A lung infection known as pneumonia can be serious and even life-threatening if you’re pregnant. Having flu-like symptoms during pregnancy is a cause for more concern than in other adults.

It is advised that you should take a flu shot before you get pregnant. A flu shot helps reduce the risk of getting the flu and having serious complications that may require treatment in the hospital. discusses that Flu shots during pregnancy are common. Talk to your doctor about the safety of flu shots.

Pregnant women who get the flu are more likely to go into preterm labor and have premature birth. A high fever of 100 F or above from the flu is associated with birth defects that are lifelong or life-threatening health problems such as neural tube defects (birth defects of the brain and spinal cord).

Other problems that may arise as a result of complications caused by the flu include;

• Damage to the heart and organs (bronchitis, meningitis, encephalitis)

• Stillbirth

Getting the flu during pregnancy is pretty serious. Your weakened immune system will make you prone to get severely ill from other illnesses including the flu. You are at a higher risk of hospitalization and it can be dangerous to the developing baby.

What To Do About Flu-Like Symptoms Before Labor

Vaccination

Getting vaccinated against the flu is the most effective way for a pregnant woman and her baby to avoid getting the flu. The flu shot contains a vaccine that can prevent you from getting the flu. Consult with your doctor to determine the best time to get the flu shot during your pregnancy.

Fortunately, the flu shot is safe for both the mother and the baby during pregnancy. The antibodies in the flu shot are passed on to the baby during pregnancy and breastfeeding, providing protection. This is especially important since babies under six months old are too young to receive the flu vaccine.

While it is safe to receive the shot at any point during pregnancy, it is best to receive the vaccine before flu season starts, which is usually between October and May. If you have allergies or concerns about reacting to the shot, speak with your healthcare provider. Although allergic reactions to flu shots are rare, your doctor will be able to suggest the best option for you.

Having The Flu During Pregnancy

If you suspect that you have the flu even if you have been vaccinated, speak to your doctor immediately. You will be prescribed antiviral medicine. Antiviral medicine helps prevent and treat the flu, they help to prevent serious complications.

It is important to be cautious when taking medications during pregnancy, but the benefits of taking antiviral drugs outweigh the potential risks involved. 

Medications your health care provider may recommend include;

• Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)

• Zanamivir (Relenza)

• Peramivir (Rapivab)

These medications are most effective when they are taken within 48 hours of the first symptoms. The flu nasal spray vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women. When treating the flu, get enough rest and drink lots of fluids. 

Over- the counter medications

Other medications that are safe for you and the baby are Tylenol (acetaminophen). These medications help to reduce fever and relieve body aches.

Will Antiviral Drugs Harm My Baby

You may be worried about the safety of your baby when taking medications. Your doctor will be in the best position to determine this. They would weigh the risks against the benefits of the antiviral medication in making their decision.

There are often more risks involved if you choose not to get treatment. They include the fact that;

• Healthy pregnant women who get the flu may become sick and even die if not treated properly.

• Women who develop infections have a higher risk of early labor and delivery.

Are There Side Effects Of The Flu Shot

Yes, there are mild side effects of taking the flu shot which may last for 48 hours or more. Remember that getting the flu is far worse than whatever side effects you may experience. You might experience soreness, headaches, fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. The vaccine is inactive and can’t give you the flu. 

Can The Flu Shot Affect My Baby

The flu shot is the best protection against the flu at any time for both you and the baby. The flu vaccine is passed onto the baby during pregnancy and may be passed through breast milk.

Babies less than six months are too young to get shots and these antibodies will protect the baby from the flu a few months after birth. 

Other Steps To Take In Avoiding The Flu

There is no perfect way of preventing the risk of getting the flu while pregnant. But, you can reduce the risks by following some steps

• Avoid sharing food utensils or cups with others: flu is spread by close contact, and minimal contact with people especially if you suspect them to be infected should be avoided.

• Wash your hands and clean surfaces often: keep your hands clean using soap and warm water, a flu virus can survive in unwashed hands and surfaces for a long period. Germs are often spread when you touch a contaminated surface and then touch these areas. Use sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

• Do not cough or sneeze into your bare hands: sneeze into your elbow or sleeve. Cover your mouth with a disposable tissue and throw it away afterward.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth, and throat. 

• Avoid crowds.

• Stay away from people who have a cold. Pregnant women are advised to take a flu shot even when they come in contact with infected people.

Natural Remedies To Take

There are effective and natural remedies that are safe to take during pregnancy for the flu. Here are some of the homemade remedies that you can try;

• Honey: Local, raw honey has antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties. Raw onion contains phytochemicals that support maintaining a clear respiratory tract.

• Lemon is an antibiotic. It also aids in alkalinizing the body and is vitamin C-rich

• Use warm salt water to gargle for a sore throat or to treat congestion

• Warm liquids like tea ease congestion and sore throats and keep you hydrated.

• Soup: drinking hot soup helps your symptoms and makes them more manageable

• Use a humidifier. Humidifiers ease the symptoms of colds and other respiratory problems. Creating steam in your bathroom by running hot water can help clear your sinuses.

• Garlic and ginger are antiviral, antibiotics, and antiseptic.

When Should You Call A Doctor

You should call your doctor when there is a risk of an emergency like;

• Difficulty breathing

• Symptoms don’t improve or worsen after 3 to 4 days

• You feel Decreased movement or no movement of your baby

• Extreme fatigue

• Dizziness, inability to wake up

• Fever or cough that comes and goes or does not improve

• Severe muscle pain

• Seizures

• High fever that does not recede even after taking medication

• No urine for an extended period.

• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

• Vomiting that is severe and constant

In Summary,

Experiencing flu-like symptoms during pregnancy does not always indicate that you are in labor. However, if you start having flu-like symptoms a week or two before your expected due date, it could be an early sign of labor. You may experience nausea, fatigue, and back pain, but these symptoms usually resolve on their own or with treatment after a few days.

Flu viruses contracted during pregnancy can be harmful to both the mother and the unborn baby, and may even require hospitalization if complications arise. Fortunately, antiviral medications can help alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. It’s best to visit your healthcare provider who can prescribe the most suitable antiviral medication to reduce your chances of getting sick.

Getting vaccinated during pregnancy is strongly recommended as it is not only safe but also effective in protecting both mother and baby from the flu. Remember to prioritize your health during pregnancy and seek treatment promptly if you experience any concerning symptoms. Consult your healthcare provider with any concerns you may have.