Flu-Like Symptoms Before Labor: What to Know

Feeling a little fluey? If you’re a week or two away from your due date and you’re fighting a runny nose, a headache, body aches, and the occasional cough, don’t worry.

These flu-like symptoms before labor are likely totally normal.

Many women experience flu-like symptoms before labor, and some also experience vomiting and diarrhea, too.

Here’s what you need to know.

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What causes flu-like symptoms before labor?

Your body has been through a lot over the last nine months or so.

Your immune system, in particular, has experienced some dramatic ebbs and flows.

Sometimes it’s been a bit stronger, and sometimes a bit weaker.

Your fluctuating immune system means that, at times, you might be more susceptible to the viruses that cause colds and flu than others.

In these final weeks, it’s possible that you’ve picked up a passing bug.

It’s not uncommon for some women to experience congestion, fatigue, and even a cough in the weeks running up to their due date.

Unless your symptoms are severe or persistent, you should be fine.

If you’re battling to shake them or if you start to feel really awful, definitely speak to your doctor.

What other symptoms are possible signs of labor?

Just as you may be feeling unwell before labor starts, there are a few other symptoms that you’re likely to experience before baby’s big debut.

Diarrhea is quite a common sign, for example, as is back pain.

It’s likely that your backache will get a little bit worse as the birth draws near because, as your little one drops, they’ll put added pressure on your nerves and spine.

Hang in there, mama.

These symptoms aren’t comfortable, but they mean that your baby is nearly here.

Keep an eye out for other unexpected maternal urges, such as the sudden need to nest.

If you feel like you simply have to paint the changing table a pale mint green before the baby comes, labor might be close.

Then there are more immediate signs, including losing your mucus plug and experiencing your bloody show(thinner mucus that is streaked with blood).

And then, there’s the most sure sign of all: contractions.

Once your labor contractions start, the time has finally come.

Do you get cold chills before labor?

Feeling jittery or shaky before and during labor is quite common.

An increase in cold chills, fatigue, and even nausea tends to happen in the transition phase of labor.

Your body is putting in the work to reach complete dilation as it bridges the gap between the first stage of labor and stage two.

The labor shakes can look like uncontrollable shivering or teeth chattering and is a way for your body to relieve tension and regulate temperature.

It’s also related to a surge in the hormones as your levels of prostaglandin and cortisol rise to help with contractions.

How long will you have flu-like symptoms before labor?

Flu-like symptoms before labor usually only last a few days.

But again, if you start feeling really ill, or if you start experiencing a high fever, or constant vomiting or diarrhea, talk to your doctor straight away as it might indicate a more serious cause like infection.

Flu-like symptoms and Covid-19

Of course, we’re all a little bit more conscious about flu-like symptoms these days.

While your symptoms might just be an ordinary cold or a bout of flu ahead of labor, they could also be an indication that you’ve contracted Covid-19.

The only way to know for sure is to go for a test.

If your result comes back positive, try not to panic.

Lots of pregnant women have had Covid, and doctors are more informed about Covid infection during pregnancy than they’ve ever been.

Talk to your doctor about the treatment options available to you, and how your baby’s birth might be affected if you’re still positive when you go into hospital.

You’re going to need your energy when you give birth, mama, so if you do feel a bit sick, then try and get as much rest as you can.

Your little one will be here before you know it.