back labor and the flu?

[trizzle]

Ok so I really tried not to get DH's flu. and I failed and feel about as horrendous as I have felt in years--fever, chills, sore throat, nasty cough that feels like bits of glass, headache-- the works. It sucks more than I can quite describe...and then there is this body ache thing---started with aching joints and low back pain, but now I am getting confused/concerned. I have been having some stronger contractions (albeit fairly irregular but I am sortof not keeping good track). The back pain won't stop-- no real break and it runs down my legs so that I can't lie still or rest. Then the contractions come and go....so how do I tell what is what? Are these the ongoing contractions I have been having for weeks just made more intense by flu pain or is something more going on? I don't want to deliver when DH and I both have the flu.

[taralv]

Just wanted you to know that you aren't alone... I'm actually 40 +5 today, and I've picked up the flu that my kids started with on Friday. It's miserable - and so upsetting to think I could have to go through labor feeling this way. If it's any consolation, I'd say that I've had more contractions over the last few days, but no show/rom so I'm just hoping my body holds out a little bit longer. And I certainly don't want to bring a baby home to a house full of sick people. What bad timing, right? The second night my fever caused me to have chills really bad. The chills seemed to cause contractions - it was weird. Anyway, hang in there. Let's just both hope that our bodies heal quickly and we can put this behind us. Good luck.

Tara

[True Blue]

I don't know how to help, but do your best to stay very hydrated...hopefully that will cut down on BH.

[gerlassie]

Hope you're feeling better soon!

gerlassie

[zulupetalz]

sick+pregnant=not fun
I am sick, too. don't know if it is the flu, per se, but everyday I go to bed thinking that it can't get worse and I wake up the next morning feeling worse. I have a lot of the same symptoms that you describe, including the lower back pain. I'm hoping it gets better before labor comes. Maybe I'll be better enough to pass antibodies for this nastiness through my milk? I'm not sure how that whole thing works, though.

[zulupetalz]

double post

[kathywiehl]

I'm so sorry you mamas are sick! No advice, just wanted you to know I'm thinking of you and hoping you feel better very very soon!

[lilyblossom]

I couldn't NOT send some love your way mamas. Being sick is no fun, sick and pregnant is a nightmare, sick, pregnant AND in labor....ug.

Lots of hydration, stay away from dairy, hot tea, lots of rest - lying on your left side if you can - and know we're thinking of you.

::

[flapjack]

When are you due? Remember my colds theory of gestation planning? (could you go another 3 weeks if the ctx stop?)
It sounds like you're sick enough that your body will know that this is a bad time for baby-having. Famous last words, probably, but still. I hope everything calms down for you soon, and go get some rest

[the elyse]

i had intense lower back pain with dd, but there was a pattern to it when i was in labor, just like with uterine contractions. hth! get well mama.

[bloominmamas]

I would seriously try to treat your cough, then things might mellow out. My midwife had me drink lemon ginger tea, and also told me there are really good articles out there that say dark chocolate is better at controlling coughs than cough drops. Mind it has to be 70-85% cocoa. I really hope you feel better soon.

[trizzle]

thanks mamas. taralv, keep me posted as to how you are doing-- you are way further along than me (I'm just 37.5 wks)...at least we know something has to give sooner or later...the contractions aren't speeding up after 15 hours, so I am going to proceed with the hope that real progressive labor is not taking place. I'm so tired but I can't rest! hopefully body and baby know to wait a bit more.

[katiemerchant]

my sympathies to you ill mammas. i don't know much about what is what with the contractions but i wanted to agree with one of the other postings about your body knowing it is ill and holding off. I read an article about it not long ago (sorry i cant remember where is saw it, not very helpful i know). It said that the best thing to do is to keep hydrated and take some bug busting natural supplements to help your body get over the flu asap. Some of these are not ok to take while pregnant so check the labels carefully. One that i know is ok as i gave it to my baby when he was ill and i took it while i was breast feeding is Black elderberry. it helps the immune system while fighting the bug. It has many of the same qualities of echinachea but is safe for little ones.
The lemon tea is also great.
I hope you get better and that everything goes well with your labour and baby. Good luck and get well soon!
kate