My doctor has recommended several times for me to take the flu shot while pregnant. I have to admit, I am very apprehensive. They tell you not to take medication while you're pregnant, but then recommend the flu shot that contains several chemicals. I know there is no conclusive evidence that precludes or dismisses the affects it may have on the fetus; as more empirical research is needed, but there is evidence that suggests if you are pregnant and get the flu, it could pose higher risks. I am still completely torn. I am also aware that they do have the thimerosal free version. I work closely with children with autism and I am aware that this has been a heated debate for some time. Any pregnant moms out there with the same apprehension or any who went forward with the flu shot while pregnant? I will greatly appreciate any feedback.
I did decide to get the seasonal flu shot about a month ago now when I was around 35 weeks preggo. Like you, I was apprehensive, but when I spoke with my doctor, she told me that pregnant mommas are getting hit pretty hard with the flu. I didn't want to risk being sick this late in the game. I have gotten the seasonal flu shot every year for the past few years, including when I was preggo with our first child.
I am 37 weeks pregnant now. I was planning on getting the seasonal flu shot a couple weeks ago, but my PCP was out (and my OB's office doesn't have them). I haven't really had a chance to try to get it since. Since I'm due in just a couple weeks, I'm planning on waiting til after the baby's born.
I got the flu shot when I was pregnant and had to be admitted to the hospital for complications at 16 weeks. Reasons: 1. All the people traipsing in and out of my room that could have been exposed to the flu and 2. The increased chance of complications in pregnant women who come down with the flu.
You have a reduced immune system when you are pregnant-this is what allows you to carry a baby instead of rejecting it. Which makes you more susceptible to infections such as the flu, as well as nasty secondary infections that ride the coat tails of flu such as pneumonia.
You also have a greater supply of blood to your lungs during pregnancy which allows for fluids and congestion to build up. You also have reduced lung capacity because all of your guts are squished up out of the way to make room for your baby. Which means easier to catch respiratory infections, harder to breathe and harder to get over illnesses.
Now...if I had been able to ride out the remainder of my pregnancy at home, I would have skipped the shot because I preferred minimal medication...but the fact that I HAD to be exposed to so many people during flu season tipped the scale for me in my decision. For me personally, the benefits of the shot outweighed the risk of catching the flu. I have no adverse reactions to report as a result of getting the shot.
I think you really need to take your overall health into consideration. I didn't get the flu shot last year when I was pregnant, but I'm pretty healthy and not prone to getting sick. My husband must of had at least 2 colds last year when I was pregnant and he had the swine flu this year and I stayed perfectly healthy throughout it all.
I got the flu shot twice when I was pregnant and I was fine.
Colds and flu would not be great for a pregnant woman. Can you imagine? To me getting the flu shot is just a preventive measure to make sure you and your unborn baby are healthy.
