The flu can be more dangerous for pregnant women and can affect the pregnancy itself. Severe illness can stress the fetus, and it's hard to track the effects of the flu on a fetus or diagnose whether or not it is infected. The flu vaccine cannot be used on infants younger than 6-months-old.
Complications
Pregnant women have a greater risk of experiencing flu-related complications, reports Flu.gov. Your immune system is somewhat depressed when you're pregnant so that it doesn't react to or reject your growing baby, according to the March of Dimes. In your second and third trimesters, you encounter added stress on your heart and lungs, which can also affect your immune system.
Pregnant women are more likely to suffer from severe illness when they get the flu because their immune systems are more sensitive. If you get sick with flu while pregnant, you may experience premature labor and premature delivery.
Flu Symptoms
Symptoms of the flu include body aches and chills, fatigue and fever, coughing, runny nose and a sore throat. Some people experience diarrhea and vomiting as well. If you suspect you have the flu while pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. Stay at home, rest and drink plenty of fluids. Treat your fever with acetaminophen. You may not want to eat much. Try nibbling on snacks and drinking broth even if you don't feel like eating. Nutrients will help you combat the flu.
Serious Symptoms
Bacterial infections like pneumonia can develop in pregnant women that get the flu. Get emergency medical treatment if you experience difficulty breathing, confusion or sudden dizziness. Decreasing fetal movement and a high fever that doesn't respond to acetaminophen are also cause for alarm. Get to the hospital if you experience pain or pressure in your abdomen or chest or persistent and severe vomiting.
Safe Medications
Get a flu shot if you're pregnant. A flu shot will protect both you and your infant from contracting the flu. If you're allergic to eggs, you may not be able to get a flu shot, warns the March of Dimes, but the flu shot is safe for most pregnant women. Pregnant women should not use the nasal spray version of the flu vaccine, warns Flu.gov. Your doctor can give you antiviral medications if you get the flu or if you've been exposed to someone with the flu.
After Delivery
Women who have recently given birth have the same risks that pregnant women do concerning the flu. They are more likely to suffer severe complications and suffer from severe illness. Women are at risk for up to two weeks after giving birth and should receive antiviral treatment if flu is suspected.
Flu and Your Newborn
You should continue to breastfeed your infant even if you get the flu. Breastfed babies typically get sick less often and less severely than infants fed formula. You will pass on your antibodies to your baby when you breastfeed. You should try to find another adult to care for your infant between feedings and you should practice good hygiene when handling your child.
