During pregnancy, women want to do everything they can to protect themselves and their babies from complications, illness and harm. While the flu may not be a major threat in most healthy people, it can be dangerous for pregnant women. The flu vaccine is strongly recommended for all pregnant women to help protect the health of both mom and baby.
Flu Shot vs. Nasal Spray
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and many more professional organizations recommend pregnant women receive the flu shot vaccine, according to the BabyCenter website. The nasal spray vaccine, however, is not recommended for pregnant women because it contains the live, yet weakened, flu virus. So when you head to your doctor's office, make sure that you tell the doctor that you are pregnant so that you can receive the appropriate vaccine.
Importance of the Flu Vaccine
Pregnant women need the flu vaccine to help reduce the risk of serious and potentially life-threatening complications for mom and baby. During pregnancy, your immune system is weakened, which leaves you more susceptible to the flu, notes MayoClinic.com. Getting a flu vaccine can reduce the risk of going into premature labor associated with the flu, say experts at the BabyCenter, as well as developing other complications such as pneumonia. Getting the flu vaccine during pregnancy also helps to protect your newborn from the flu -- both due to receiving your antibodies and by reducing his exposure to the flu due to your immunities.
Safety of Flu Vaccines
According to the MayoClinic.com, the flu shot vaccine is safe for pregnant women. The flu shot contains an inactivated, or dead, virus instead of a weakened version of the live virus. The only pregnant women who should not receive a flu shot vaccine are those who are severely allergic to eggs and anyone who has previously had a very severe reaction to a flu shot. Though some pregnant women may be concerned about a preservative called thimerosal used in the vaccine, BabyCenter.com explains that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have not found any evidence of any risks associated with the preservative -- but the benefits of the vaccine are clear.
Getting the Flu Vaccine
Pregnant women need the flu vaccine before peak flu season, so schedule your vaccination sometime in September or October to protect yourself before the virus starts spreading. The flu season can last into May, so it's never too late to get your vaccine during your pregnancy. Make sure to get your flu shot for the current flu season even if you received a flu shot last year as the vaccine changes from year to year to protect against the different strains of the flu.
