Flu-Like Symptoms Before Labor

Pregnancy is an exciting time in a woman’s life but it can also be scary and overwhelming. This is especially true when it is your first pregnancy. You don’t know what to expect, your body is going through new changes, and there is so much to learn and do. It is common to get a lot of advice, pregnancy stories, and labor stories from friends, family, and even strangers. Many people like to share what their own experience was like. The truth is that every pregnancy, labor, and delivery is different. Don’t let these stories scare you. Your best resource for your pregnancy questions and concerns is your OB-GYN healthcare provider. They have spent years learning, training, and practicing their specialty. An unusual story you may hear is about flu-like or sick symptoms being a sign of going into labor. Let’s dive deeper into this topic but remember to consult with your healthcare provider with any pregnancy questions or concerns.

Some women say that they experience flu-like symptoms such as congestion, cough, and fatigue a few weeks before going into labor. They may believe that this is a sign that they are going to begin labor soon. The fact is that there is no strong scientific research to prove that having flu-like or sick symptoms is a sign of labor starting.

A woman’s immune system goes through many changes during pregnancy. According to the United States National Library of Medicine, it is more difficult for a woman to fight off infections while pregnant. This puts pregnant women at a greater risk of the flu and other illnesses. The sick symptoms that some women have before labor could be due to the immune system changes during pregnancy that make it easier for a pregnant woman to get sick.

If you get sick at any time during your pregnancy, notify your OB-GYN provider. If there are no major concerns, they may refer you to your primary healthcare provider for treatment. If they think something more emergent is going on they may ask you to come in for an appointment or go to the emergency room. Remember to prioritize your health, especially during pregnancy. If you see any new healthcare providers during your pregnancy, you must inform them that you are pregnant. Some medications and treatments are not recommended for women who are pregnant.

Resources

U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Pregnancy and the flu: Medlineplus medical encyclopedia. MedlinePlus. Retrieved June 20, 2022