I'm 7 months pregnant and I've been with this cold for the past 2 weeks - congestion, stuffed up nose and recently a bad cough that hurts like crazy!. Today I feel a little worse as it seems I may be coming down with a fever and body aches. Also, it may be my mind working overtime but it feels like the baby isnt moving alot and of course I'm worried that my coughing is bouncing her around needlessly and may do her harm. I know colds and flu like symptoms are common in pregnancy, but I think maybe I should head to the er to be safe. Also since I've never been to an ER before, what's the procedure? who do I ask for? Thanks everyone!
2007-02-23 01:15:47 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
I really REALLY appreciate all the answers. I do hear that trips to the ER are horrible. Just called my doctor and she wont be in until 3pm, so I will sit tight and talk to her before I rush out just to sit and wait for hours! Thanks again!
2007-02-23 01:26:18 · update #1
My 5-year-old diabetic son just got the flu even though he had the flu vaccine. So, I now know the flu symptoms well and the difference between a cold and the flu. If you have a fever, I would be concerned that you have the flu. But if not, and you have nasal congestion, it probably is a cold. During both my pregnancies, I had colds constantly. You're more susceptible to viruses and colds because you are pregnant. Below is a web site that compares the symptoms to both of them. :)
The ER is probably not a great idea because there are so many colds and viruses going around this time of year and you may actually pick up something when you're there! Kind of ironic, right?
As far as the baby slowing down movement, you did the right thing by calling the OB and scheduling an appointment. In addition to checking the movement of your baby, your OB can also prescribe you antibiotics if he/she feels its necessary (for your cold/flu). Don't worry too much, though, everything is probably just fine with your baby. I know with my first I made several trips to the OB concerned about little movement. One thing to remember is that because you're working so much and probably moving around a lot, your baby won't be as active. My OB told me with my first that when you walk around and work, it "rocks" the baby and makes him/her sleep.
Good luck to you and you're baby!!
2007-02-23 01:49:43 · answer #1 · answered by Jennifer C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hard coughing and fevers warrent a trip to the doctor. Maybe not the ER, as they will tell you to take some tussin, and tylenol to make your cough effective and keep the fever down.
Hard coughs can cause contractions if it goes on for too long. I had a horrible broncial infection at 7 1/2 months (i inhaled some food in an eating frenzy and it got infected) and ended up going to the clinic and they gave me regular tussin to losen what was in my lungs so i wouldnt go on coughing like crazy. It helped me cough up the phlegm.
If your fever wont go down with tylenol you need to get to the ER. Fevers are horrible for the unborn.
If you're concerned, just run down to the ER, it'll make you feel better.
2007-02-23 01:21:08 · answer #2 · answered by amosunknown 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sweetie the worst thing I ever dealt with is going to the ER when sick. Plan to stay in the waiting room for hours and I really mean HOURS (try 3-8) then plan to sit and wait on the dr and nurse for a few more hours. After all that you will really feel sick. I would make a drs apt and tell the desk that your very sick and need an emergency appt. I hope you get better. And dont worry your baby is ok your just doing what any good mom would do and worry.
2007-02-23 01:22:43 · answer #3 · answered by Noor 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you can't walk around, get too dizzy or get a high fever (take temp before you waste your time) then go, but until then just take care of yourself - u know sleep a lot, lots of liquids, chicken noodle soup, etc. Coughing will not hurt the baby, the rocking will sooth her! Mother's instinct is the most important though - so dont listen to me or anyone if you feel something has to be wrong
2007-02-23 01:20:55 · answer #4 · answered by Mommyof3 BGB 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you go to the er you are going to expose yourself to more things, it is hard but sit back watch your temp, drink lots of fluid and wait for your ob/gyn, she will be able to prescribe medication or suggest otc that will be safe for you and the baby. take care and I hope you feel better soon. do keep track of the baby's movements so you can tell your doctor.
2007-02-23 01:30:56 · answer #5 · answered by tammiekae2002 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
drink lots of fluids and montiro your temp closely. that's what i did. i never went to the er and now i feel fine but i also never got a big fever or anything
2007-02-23 01:20:06 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have the flu, they cant do much for you. Drink clear hot liquids, take Robitussin and get some rest.
2007-02-23 01:21:36 · answer #7 · answered by KathyS 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go see your doctor i had colds and flus during my pregnancy im sure your baby is fine
2007-02-23 01:18:34 · answer #8 · answered by miraclebaby_2006 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋