Pregnancy Concerns: Flu Symptoms and Early Test Results Explained

Are you pregnant?

I had my last sexual intercourse with my boyfriend on June 30, and my period came on July 4 (originally predicted for July 2).
I experienced severe abdominal pain, and by July 5, the bleeding stopped and the pain lessened.
On July 13, I had a loss of appetite and nausea, and on July 15, I tested positive for pregnancy with two lines on a home pregnancy test.
I tested again on July 16 and got the same result.
On July 17, I suddenly developed a high fever of 39 degrees Celsius and went to see a doctor, who diagnosed me with influenza A.
My fever fluctuated between high and normal.
My friend mentioned that drinking herbal soup at night could be risky for the stability of the placenta, which might lead to a miscarriage.
Today, July 18, my body temperature has stabilized around 37 degrees Celsius.
Could the positive pregnancy test be a result of the incubation period of influenza A? Should I continue drinking the herbal soup? I found online that some people experience continuous bleeding...

Ms. Chen, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/07/18

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

I had my last sexual intercourse with my boyfriend on June 30.
My period started on July 4 (originally predicted to start on July 2), and I experienced significant abdominal pain.
By July 5, the bleeding had stopped, and the pain had decreased.
On July 13, I had a loss of appetite and nausea, and on July 15, I tested positive for pregnancy with two lines on a home pregnancy test.
I tested again on July 16 and got the same result.
On July 17, I suddenly developed a high fever of 39 degrees Celsius and went to see a doctor, who diagnosed me with influenza A.
The fever fluctuated between high and low.
My boyfriend mentioned that during his last pregnancy at three weeks, he experienced similar symptoms.
A friend advised me to drink herbal soup at night, but he warned that if the placenta is not stable, consuming it might lead to a miscarriage.
Today, July 18, my body temperature is around 37 degrees Celsius, which is an improvement.
Could the positive pregnancy test result be due to the incubation period of influenza A? Should I continue drinking the herbal soup? I found online that some people say there could be ongoing bleeding...
Answer: 1.
The positive pregnancy tests on July 15 and July 16 indicate that you are pregnant.
2.
The bleeding and abdominal pain you experienced starting July 4 were not your menstrual period, as the bleeding stopped by July 5 and the pain decreased.
3.
The incubation period of influenza A would not cause a positive pregnancy test result.
You are pregnant, and it is important to see an obstetrician-gynecologist as soon as possible.

Reply Date: 2017/07/18

More Info

When it comes to pregnancy, especially in the early stages, there are numerous concerns that can arise, particularly regarding symptoms and the use of medications. Based on your situation, it seems you are experiencing a combination of early pregnancy symptoms, potential flu symptoms, and concerns about the effects of certain foods or remedies on your pregnancy.

Firstly, regarding your pregnancy test results, it is important to note that home pregnancy tests are designed to detect the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in your urine, which is produced shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. The fact that you received two positive results on July 15 and 16 indicates that you are indeed pregnant. The timing of your last menstrual period (LMP) and the symptoms you are experiencing, such as nausea and loss of appetite, are consistent with early pregnancy.

As for your concern about the flu, particularly A-type influenza, it is crucial to understand that while flu symptoms can overlap with early pregnancy symptoms, they do not affect the accuracy of a pregnancy test. The presence of hCG in your system is what the test detects, and flu symptoms would not interfere with this. However, having the flu during pregnancy can pose risks, particularly in the first trimester, as it can lead to complications such as dehydration or exacerbation of other health issues. It is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider regarding the best course of action if you suspect you have the flu, especially since you have experienced a high fever.

Regarding the consumption of "生化湯" (Shenghua soup), which is often used in traditional Chinese medicine for postpartum recovery, it is essential to approach this with caution during pregnancy. While some believe it can help with recovery and balance, there is limited scientific evidence to support its safety or efficacy during pregnancy. The concern about potential miscarriage due to consuming certain herbal remedies is valid, as some herbs can have effects on uterine contractions or hormonal balance. It is best to avoid any unverified remedies and consult with your healthcare provider for safe dietary practices during pregnancy.

In terms of your symptoms, if you are experiencing significant discomfort or unusual bleeding, it is crucial to seek medical attention. Light spotting can be common in early pregnancy, but if it is accompanied by severe pain or heavy bleeding, it may require further evaluation to rule out complications such as an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.

Lastly, emotional fluctuations are also common during early pregnancy due to hormonal changes. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or anxious, it is essential to talk to someone you trust or seek professional support. Mental health is just as important as physical health during pregnancy.

In summary, you are likely experiencing normal early pregnancy symptoms, but it is essential to monitor your health closely, especially with flu symptoms present. Avoid unverified remedies and consult with your healthcare provider for guidance on managing your symptoms and ensuring a healthy pregnancy. Always prioritize open communication with your healthcare team to address any concerns you may have.

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