Pregnancy or Flu Symptoms?
Confused between Pregnancy or Flu Symptoms?
Even pregnant women in good health can become quite ill if they are infected with the flu virus. It is important to detect flu symptoms during pregnancy as early as possible so that appropriate measures can be taken to rid the body of the virus in order to protect both the mother and baby. In most cases, pregnant women will be able to manage flu symptoms at home. However, if symptoms persist and become more severe, be sure to call your doctor.
Flu or Pregnancy Symptoms?
It is a common mistake to confuse flu like symptoms in early pregnancy. Morning sickness and nausea during the day can make it difficult to determine whether pregnancy or flu symptoms are the cause. If you are in your first trimester and are not experiencing other common flu-like symptoms, then your symptoms are most likely related to pregnancy. Additionally, if feelings of nausea go away after eating, then the symptoms are probably caused by your pregnancy.
Nasal congestion is another common pregnancy or flu symptom. Hormonal changes are inevitable during pregnancy and often cause congestion in the nasal passages. In addition, body aches may also occur during pregnancy and during infection with the flu virus. In particular, aches and pain in your legs, feet, and back are more common during pregnancy. The flu tends to cause aches and pain throughout the body. The key to distinguishing pregnancy or flu symptoms is to ask yourself how many symptoms you are suffering from. For instance, if you only have a stuffy nose and nothing else, then it’s probably just a common symptom of pregnancy.
If you have several of the following symptoms, you are likely to have the flu:
- Fever
- Aches and pains
- No appetite
- Fatigue
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Chills
- Cough
- Nausea (vomiting and/or diarrhea are more common among young children infected with the flu virus)
Relieving Flu Pregnancy Symptoms
Most traditional medications used to relieve flu symptoms aren’t safe during pregnancy. Before taking any flu medications, it is imperative that you consult with your health care provider. If possible, it is best for your health and the health of your baby to care for flu like symptoms during pregnancy without using drugs. A few tips to follow in managing flu symptoms in pregnancy include:
- Stay hydrated with plenty of fluids
- Get plenty of rest
- Eat healthy meals that work to boost your immune system
Stages of Pregnancy and Flu Symptoms
Early pregnancy flu symptoms tend not to be as severe as flu symptoms in late pregnancy. Studies on pregnancy and the flu symptoms show that women farther along in their pregnancy are more likely to be hospitalized when infected with the flu virus than those in the early stages of pregnancy.
By becoming aware of the differences between pregnancy or flu symptoms, you will be able to take an appropriate form of action. If you do have the flu virus, the next step is to find methods that have been proven safe during pregnancy.
