Flu during pregnancy

**MagicSeahorse** · December 4th, 2007, 02:52 PM

Yesterday I was hit with the flu, (yes I know I seem to get every thing and have all problems).

When I went and saw my doc, he seemed really concerned, and determined to get rid of it ASAP. His concern bothered me, so when I got back to work I did a quick look on the net, and found a heap of sites that say that flu during pregnancy can cause brain damage, autism and schizophrenia!
What is the general oppinion here?
I freaked me out a bit, I had no idea there could be problems, and no one warned me during my ob or doc visits!

I feel awful already and now I have this to worrie about too.

**MrsBump** · December 4th, 2007, 03:02 PM

Lisy,
I have had a cold for days, you can take some type of antihistamine but i cant remember what it is im sure if you ask the pharmacist and tell them your preg they will give the right one. Also you can have panadol..
I have never heard of the flu causing any of the problems discribed above..
Hopefully someone with more knowledge can help you out...
goodluck

**MagicSeahorse** · December 4th, 2007, 03:27 PM

My doc has given me anti's, but they won't take effect imediatly.

**katnap** · December 4th, 2007, 04:09 PM

i think its only when you have a really high temp, one of my friends got the flu, which turned into a chest infection, and when her temp got extremely high, they ended up doing a c/s. i know this isnt much, but hope it helps

look after yourself xx

**Mum0809** · December 4th, 2007, 05:32 PM

I have never heard of the flu causing any of the problems you discribed. I've had the flu pretty bad twice since I've been pregnant. My doctor wasn't too worried as long as I kept my temp down. Just keep your temp down as much as you can. Cool face washes and panadol. It's better to have panadol then to have a high temp.

**satya** · December 5th, 2007, 05:35 AM

That info is from recent research that was done on flu and pregnancy. Look at it this way, there is absolutely nothing you can do about it so there is no point worrying about it. Put all your efforts into not stressing and resting so you can get over it quicker and therefore the risk of anything happening will be less. I think lots of pregnant ladies get the flu and their offspring turn out OK so I'm sure it's only a small percentage that end up with those problems.

**tempus moriendi** · December 7th, 2007, 12:37 PM

Hope you're feeling better soon. Push lots of fluids and my doctor allowed me to use acetaminophen during pregnancies. Good luck!

**MagicSeahorse** · December 8th, 2007, 06:36 AM

Well, Doc gave me anti biotics, which helped for a few days, but today both DH and I relapsed.
Oh boy, I feel shocking!

And I'm terrified of what all this is diong to my Jellybean! Between the constant coughing, the pills, panadol, fever, everything! I'm so scared. But I go to see my ob on tuesday, so I get to check on things.
Thanks for the concern Tempus. You're a good person.

**tempus moriendi** · December 8th, 2007, 08:38 AM

If you've relapsed, you may need to go on a stronger antibiotic. Here in the US they usually start you on amoxicillin, then move on to cephalexin if that doesn't work. Also, are you being treated for the flu by your ob or your general practitioner? Good luck and fingers crossed and prayers and everything...!

**MagicSeahorse** · December 10th, 2007, 06:13 AM

My GP is treating me for my flu, but he is a Very good doc. But I'm glad I get to have bubbsy checked out tomorrow. Make sure I'm not causing too many problems in there. I'm going back to my GP today as neither DH or I are getting any better. And the anti's have just been making me feel even worse. I am so tired of being sick. and of cause all the coughing has brought on incontinence. It's so embarasing and uncomfortable.

**Je$$_84** · December 10th, 2007, 06:35 AM

Hi-

Well last preg and this one i seem to come down with every cold, flu, etc going round. As i have asthma when i get the flu or a cold it always turns into asthma. With both pregnancies this has happened causing chest infections and the first preg i actually got that bad it turned into phneumonia. This time round i was able to have regular asthma meds and doc told me to bed rest and i beat the chest infection with out the need for hospitalisation. I have never been told that the flu or cold can cause such defects but i have found how stressful situations become when i do my own research on the net. I find best to get a GP's advice and ask all the questions to them....

Good luck and feel better

**hannahfroodoo** · December 10th, 2007, 02:27 PM

I have never heard that flu can cause all those problems. I had a terrible, terrible flu last time and there were no adverse effects for DD.

Like everyone says, keep your temp down as you don't want to overheat bubs, drink lots of fluid and rest! Hopefully your OB can give you some reassurance.

**tempus moriendi** · December 12th, 2007, 09:30 AM

LisyLee: ...Soooo....? How did it go at the docs with bub? Fingers crossed and praying hard.--TM

**MagicSeahorse** · December 12th, 2007, 10:25 AM

Sorry! Didn't realise you where waiting with baited breath!!!! or I would have posted this morn.
My Ob is happy with everything! She also said that she had never heard of any conection between flu and the afore mentioned problems. She just want's me to take it easy, and get over this bug. She has also booked me in to see a physio that specialises in pelvic floor, for my other problem.

Baby is growing! She said that with it's size, I should start to feel movement quite soon. Oh boy that will be a relief! No more stressing about if it's ok!

Thanks for the concern!