Sore throat... symptom? 34 week pregnant

[missturnbullx]

So I've posted a couple of threads now about covid. I haven't had much response.

I'm 34+3 weeks pregnant. I was exposed to covid on Wednesday. My friend texted me yesterday morning (Saturday) to say she was positive. When I woke up Saturday morning I had a bit of a sore throat but put it down to reflux as I've had really bad heartburn this pregnancy, it's actually been choking and making my throat ache a bit.

I did a lateral flow test and that was negative. I have a pcr booked today (Sunday).

I've been up since 4am now (Sunday). Was woken up needing the toilet... pregnant joys! And realised my throat was sore again. I woke my other half up and just got really upset saying I know I have covid because my sore throat feels like that early onset of getting 'poorly'.

I can't get back to sleep now. I'm worried like crazy. I don't know if my sore throat is linked to reflux and the fact I've already been struggling to breathe this pregnancy and most likely sleeping with my mouth open and snoring lots (partner told me I've been doing this when I don't normally).

I just don't know what to think. I have all sorts going through my mind. I am full of worry.

I have low PAPP-A and have been told I'm at risk of a preterm labour as it is 😩 I am fearing the absolute worst.

Can anyone help or have any advice or positive stories.

I also know this question will come up... I am not yet vaccinated.

Thank you

You'll find out soon enough when you have the PCR. Having said that, people often wake with a sore throat/gravelly voice first thing in the morning. So it hopefully isn't anything.

You've done the sensible thing and booked a PCR test. Try focus on waiting until you have the results before planning your next step. If you are positive contact your doctor or midwife for advice. If negative then hooray your sore throat is probably from snoring. I know it's easy for others to say please don't worry but you do need to stay calm for your babys sake. How do you feel about booking a first vaccination?? It's very safe in pregnancy. It may help you feel more protected and a little safer x

One thing about early COVID sore throats is they tend to be persistent. If your throat is only sore on waking and for a period after that but not say, sore in the afternoon or evening, then I think you've been snoring. So yes, def get a pcr but dont worry too much.

And yes, please give yourself and your baby some protection via the vaccine.

It could be or it might not be.

Unfortunately, like many possible Covid symptoms they are also the symptoms of many different things.

Once you’ve had your PCR then you will know. However, even if it is Covid there is every chance that you could have it ‘mild’.

Just try to relax and rest up.

@Porcupineintherough I've had the pcr test this morning. Probably won't get the results until tomorrow. But the sore throat does seem to just be when waking up.

A very mild sore throat was my first symptom but I recorded a +ve lateral flow
I only tested because DD had a temperature. And DD has not tested +ve at any point!
My daughter incidentally was born early at 36w while it’s not ideal, with every passing day you’re closer to “term” and hospitals are able to cope well with the earlier babies.

@Siameasy I don't have the sore throat now. Just literally had it early hours of this morning and when I woke up.
Were you positive when you were pregnant?

Oh no DD is six now!
My sore throat continued and became annoying. You’ll get your result soon mine took under 24h

@Siameasy did you have any other symptoms?

OP you are quite likely to NOT have covid.

But you seem to have convinced yourself.

Do you have health anxiety at all? Have you not had either vaccine? That would at least have set your mind at rest that you’re unlikely to be that ill if you do now test positive.

Sore throat was my first symptom (also in 3rd trimester of pregnancy). Went after 24h and was followed by aches, cold, fatigue.
PCR test came back positive by about 15 hours, by then I was pretty convinced it was covid. I am vaccinated since the spring.

If yours is negative, thank yourself lucky and would still consider getting vaccine, it's not too late

Hi OP, I'm 35 weeks and tested positive on Friday.
My first symptom was a dry cough, I now have the cough plus headache and blocked nose. Feels like a bad cold. Baby moving lots and i'm in touch with my maternity team.

@SmidgenofaPigeon I am not sure why you think it would be unlikely I would have covid. I mean I hope you're right however if ive spent the full day, in an enclosed space with someone, who's husband tested positive the day later and her 2 days later, it would seem I was around her at a time she would have been contagious? Not only that our children were playing together too. I understand though that it isn't a given that I would have contracted covid through this encounter but it is enough to worry at this stage.

I do not have health anxiety but I have a high risk pregnancy as it is, and with me being so close to the end of my pregnancy and requiring 2 weekly appointments with the consultant, which would be missed if I am positive, would cause me a lot of concern to miss that appointment as I am being monitored for other health complications in this pregnancy.

No I am not vaccinated. I was told by my midwife at one of my last appointments that getting the vaccination would be unnecessary and would be more risky to get the vaccination. However I will look in to possibly getting vaccinated after the birth.

@rainbowloveyou

Thank you for the info

@puppybaz I hope you feel better soon!

OP given that you have a high risk pregnancy perhaps it might be worth asking your consultant about the pros and cons of vaccination and see what they advise?

@Porcupineintherough at my last consultant apt I was just told to test twice weekly regardless of symptoms and that was pretty much all that was discussed covid related. I think if the apt gets cancelled, I will ask to schedule a phone call and go from there. It's a horrible waiting game because not only am I worried about covid, I'm worried about the other health complications and the treatment for those being compromised if I do test positive for covid 😩