[peainpod]

Have any of you been down sick with the flu yet? I can't seem to shake mine. I was really sick with it for about 3 weeks, barely recovered and now I've picked up my co-worker's cold! My OB, Dr Philip Ho was singularly unhelpful when I last saw him and just said if I was really worried, he could recommend a ear-nose-throat specialist! (But I didn't feel THAT sick!)

I've seen my regular GP who gave me some meds and suggested I get a flu shot once I recover from my current bout. I did read that flu vaccines were recommended for all pregnant mothers delivering during flu season (Oct-Mar).

So I was just wondering? Has anyone here got theirs yet - or are plannning on getting the shot? (Most doctors seem to be pro-vaccine while most mothers I speak to say they gave it a miss...)

[wasabibunny]

Hubby was quite sick and I caught his cold a few weeks ago. I've been really healthy and even with the cold I didn't show many symptoms. I think most moms naturally have a higher defense again the common cold/flu because of the increased blood flood. I had a slight cough for a few days and basically slept it off. Just remember to drink lots of fluids and rest. There are some meds that are safe for use during pregnancy but I've been avoiding everything so far. Hope you get lots of rest peasinpod :)

[donkey]

Luckily i haven't got sick yet. But starting from the last two days, I started to have some hives on my thighs, arms/neck etc (except my belly!). It only comes out at night and is very itchy, and can spread quite fast, but disappeared in the morning. The doctor said it is not pregnancy related as it is a bit too early to have PUPP or other pregnancy skin related problems, and most probably it is me that allergic to something. Does anyone has similar experience?

Very annoying though as I can't sleep well at night.

[peainpod]

Thanks wasabibunny! Maybe it won't be as bad this time and I'll be able to sleep it off like you in a few days time. Anyway happy to hear that you got better quickly. Is that true about the hormones giving pregnant moms better defense? I've been hearing the opposite - which is that our immune system is weakened when pregnant (what with the body busy doing other stuff as well), making us more susceptible to colds/flus.

[motherOF2]

Hi Jockette,

I've finally got an appointment with him next Tues, will let u know how it turns out. Thanks for ur feedback :)

[wasabibunny]

peainpod,
I think how a women's immune system is affected by pregnancy is still not fully understood. If you have any interest, check out this article:
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/m...n19187208/pg_1
I hope you feel better soon. Also, you might want to consider a humidifier if your nasal passage is more sensitive now. It might help with any cold or allergy symptoms.

[Heather223]

Hi all!
New to this forum! We are expecting our baby girl to arrive on January 11th, 2008. Having a C-section due to medical problems. So much worrying when it's your first time...first it's getting through the first trimester, then wondering if there is a heartbeat, then hearing the heartbeat, then waiting for the baby to move, then wondering why the moving has stoppped...but finally, i feel the baby moving around regularly now at 23 weeks and it's great to read all the posts on this forum to know i'm not alone in my crazy worries. I am past the morning sickness part but was wondering if any of you ladies had backaches? My back has been killing me for the last few days and i feel so tired. I thought the second trimester was all about 'feeling the energy?' Anyone else feel tired and should that make me go and exercise to wake myself up or should i listen to my body and spend half my pregnancy in bed? Any tips for backache relief? I work part-time and have been watching my posture but bending over or trying to straighten out my back really hurts!

[wasabibunny]

Welcome Heather!
I'm also 23 weeks and it's good to hear you've settled in and stopped worrying. Check out the following article for a few easy to do at home workouts to strengthen you stomach and back muscles. I think you are experiencing back pain because pregnancy weakens the stomach muscles and your back works extra hard to compensate. Personally I love the cat cradle post (I think it's a cat post in Yoga) because it takes the pressure off my back and it helps stregthen the stomach muscles. I do it almost every night for a few reps and I've had no back problems so far. I'm still traping around in my regular high heels.
http://www.fitpregnancy.com/slidesho.../778?fitness=1