Swine flu, pregnancy and your baby
You will likely have been extremely concerned by newspaper headlines publicizing the potential dangers of swine flu – officially called H1N1. While you shouldn’t panic, do keep in mind that when you’re pregnant you may be more vulnerable to the infection.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) severe illness among pregnant women and infants has been reported during this outbreak of swine flu, although as yet not enough is known about the illness to say who might be most at risk of complications. However, it is known that ordinary flu can be more serious in pregnant women, and higher rates of preterm delivery have been seen in pregnant women with flu, particularly if they suffer complications such as pneumonia.
That means it’s important to contact your doctor if you suspect you may have been exposed to swine flu, in case you need to be treated. Get clued into the precautions you need to take to protect yourself, too.
How can swine flu affect pregnancy?
Pregnant women with swine flu would be expected to suffer typical flu symptoms such as a cough, sore throat, a runny nose and fever. Other symptoms can include body aches, headache, fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea.
Many pregnant women who develop these symptoms will go on to have a typical course of uncomplicated influenza. However, for some pregnant women, illness might progress rapidly, and might be complicated by secondary bacterial infections including pneumonia, which could result in fetal distress. Studies show that during the flu pandemics that occurred in 1918-1919 and 1957-1958, there were higher rates of flu-related deaths,
miscarriage, and
preterm birth among pregnant women.
What should I do if I think I may have swine flu?
It’s important that you contact your doctor straightaway. There is no vaccine for swine flu but your doctor can prescribe antiviral medications and test you for swine flu. Don’t wait for the results to come back before taking antivirals – they are more effective within the first two days of symptom onset and swine flue testing can often take several days.
The antiviral medications zanamivir and oseltamivir are considered safe to use in pregnancy, and they have been widely used in pregnant women who have been exposed to ordinary flu. However, no clinical studies have been done to prove their safety for pregnant women so there is a theoretical risk. The CDC states that the medications should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the unborn baby, and further states that in the case of swine flu, the benefits probably do outweigh the risks since pregnant women might be at higher risk for severe complications from swine flu.
One of the reasons why swine flu may be more harmful in pregnant women is the fact that it tends to result in a higher fever than ordinary flu. This means that it is important to treat any fever that results from swine flu (and/or ordinary flu).
Overheating during the first trimester (weeks 0-12) doubles your baby’s risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida and may be associated with other birth defects and adverse outcomes. A high fever during labor is a risk factor a risk factor for adverse neonatal and developmental outcomes, including neonatal seizures, encephalopathy, cerebral palsy, and neonatal death. Tell your midwife or OB-GYN immediately if you have a fever and takes steps to reduce it with pregnancy-safe fever-reducing medications such as acetaminophen, and tepid (not cold) baths or showers if necessary.
How can I protect myself from swine flu?
There is no vaccine available yet to prevent swine flu but you can reduce your risk of catching by taking steps to reduce your overall risk of respiratory infections. These steps include:
- Frequent hand washing.
- Minimizing contact with sick individuals.
- Having ill persons stay home (except to seek medical care).
- Having ill persons cough into their sleeve (not their hand, as they could then spread the germs to other surfaces).
- Avoiding, whenever possible, crowded settings in communities having outbreaks of swine flu.
- Using a facemask when traveling on public transport during a swine flu outbreak or when caring for someone who has the illness, including your older child.
Your baby and swine flu
Babies are thought to be at higher risk for severe illness from swine flu. One of the best ways you can protect your newborn is to breastfeed him, as this passes on your own antibodies to him – research shows that infants who are not breastfeeding are more vulnerable to infection and hospitalization for severe respiratory illness than infants who are breastfeeding. Women who are not ill with influenza should be encouraged to initiate breastfeeding early and feed frequently.
The risk for transmitting swine flu to your baby through your breast milk if you have the illness is unknown, but transmission is extremely rare with ordinary flu so the risk of the swine flu virus crossing into your breast milk is probably very low. However, it is a good precaution to express your breast milk and ask a family member who isn’t ill to feed it to your baby in a bottle. The CDC says that it is safe to continue feeding your baby if you are taking antiviral medications.
If you have ordinary flu or swine flu, hygiene is vital when taking care of your baby. If at all possible, get some help from someone who isn’t ill. If this isn’t an option, thoroughly wash your hands in soap and hot water before touching your baby, and wear a facemask. Keep your baby away from crowded areas during an outbreak of swine flu, and ensure anyone who comes into contact with him washes their hands first. Limit sharing of toys with other children and don’t allow your baby to play with the communal toys at your pediatrician’s office if he is having a checkup.
If your baby has ordinary flu or swine flu, his symptoms will include rapid breathing, unusual drowsiness and a fever. Contact your pediatrician straightaway if you think your baby may have been exposed to swine flu.
The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
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Last Modified: 24/07/2009
Related Chat 2
i spoke to my dr and said not to go for it, they have not done enough studies on pregnant ladies, or other for that matter, and dr do not know enough about what the outcome of it will be, you could become worse off for having it with all sorts of bad symptoms, or you could be just fine, but its not a gamble you should take unless you are a seriously ill person.
just keep taking your vitamins.eat healthy and and stay clear of any one who has got the flu.
thats what i know and think.
i got told today because i am pregnant i am entitled to having the swine flu jab. i have been told by both my sister and a friend i shud not have the jab, because its a new type of jab and also cos it cud harm baby. has anyone else been offered the jab and have u had it? i am 29 weeks pregnant.
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