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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Flu, Headaches, Shivers And Fatigue During A Pregnancy?

Hi, I am 33 weeks pregnant and have been suffering from flu for two and a half weeks now...tired, weak, headaches, shivers, exhausted etc...Had a blood test which has shown high levelas of alkaline phospotase (over 500), other results normal, apart from ALT (?) level slightly elevated at 53. Basically, my question is, should I be worried, am feeling so ill, naturally I am worried about my baby? Any reassurance /advice would be gratefully received. Thanks!
Tue, 3 Nov 2015
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OBGYN,  's  Response
Hello, and I hope I can help you today.

Unfortunately, being pregnant does not mean you cannot get sick like anyone else. Pregnant women get much sicker from the flu than other demographics, because their large belly makes it harder to cough and their body caring for the baby drains their energy.

However, your body is designed to protect the baby. And regarding your blood test, it is normal for your alkaline phosphatase to be elevated in pregnancy.

But if you have not been officially diagnosed with the flu, or have not had an evaluation of the baby since you started feeling sick, I strongly suggest you go to the hospital for evaluation for you and the baby. There are other conditions that can cause shivers and fatigue during pregnancy, and if you have a fever higher than 104 (or 40 Celsius) it can harm the baby's hearing.

So please get a full medical evaluation as soon as possible if you have not yet done so. In the meantime, you can safely take Tylenol (Acetaminophen) or Paracetamol at the regular adult dosage safely while pregnant. Also drink lots of fluids and try to rest as much as possible.

I hope you get appropriate medical care to make sure you're OK (and the baby too)

Best wishes for your health and the rest of the pregnancy,

Dr. Brown
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What Causes Flu, Headaches, Shivers And Fatigue During A Pregnancy?

Hello, and I hope I can help you today. Unfortunately, being pregnant does not mean you cannot get sick like anyone else. Pregnant women get much sicker from the flu than other demographics, because their large belly makes it harder to cough and their body caring for the baby drains their energy. However, your body is designed to protect the baby. And regarding your blood test, it is normal for your alkaline phosphatase to be elevated in pregnancy. But if you have not been officially diagnosed with the flu, or have not had an evaluation of the baby since you started feeling sick, I strongly suggest you go to the hospital for evaluation for you and the baby. There are other conditions that can cause shivers and fatigue during pregnancy, and if you have a fever higher than 104 (or 40 Celsius) it can harm the baby s hearing. So please get a full medical evaluation as soon as possible if you have not yet done so. In the meantime, you can safely take Tylenol (Acetaminophen) or Paracetamol at the regular adult dosage safely while pregnant. Also drink lots of fluids and try to rest as much as possible. I hope you get appropriate medical care to make sure you re OK (and the baby too) Best wishes for your health and the rest of the pregnancy, Dr. Brown