Hi ladies. I am 16 weeks pregnant with my 1st child & have suffered 2 miscarriages. I was wondering what your thoughts are about the safety of these 2 vaccines during pregnancy. I am so worried about damaging my child, but I am also worried about becoming gravely ill, since I've read that 2 pregnant women died from the swine flu. I am a school teacher & will be exposed if either flu goes around. Help! Any advice or suggestions would be helpful.
Hi C.,I would not take the flu shot. It has caused nerve damage and it contains cancer cells: Here are some helpful links:
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/0...
http://www.examiner.com/x-17146-Dallas-Womens-Health-Exam...
C.,
I understand your concerns given your history of miscarriage, but as a school teacher you are exposed to so many germs that it seems to be an even bigger risk to go without the flu vaccines this year. As you have heard, there is a greater incidence of complications and death from the flu in pregnant women, so even if you weren't working in a classroom you would be strongly encouraged by the medical community to vaccinate yourself. Here is an article from Parents magazine about pregnancy and the H1N1 virus:
http://www.parenting.com/article/Pregnancy/Health/Swine-F...
I would also encourage you to check the CDC website for more information. As you can see, pregnant women are the first ones listed under "high risk groups":
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/groups.htm
I got the seasonal flu shot during both of my pregnancies, with no ill effects, and will be getting both vaccines for everyone in my family this year. Good luck, stay healthy, and wash your hands a lot!
A.
I am 25 wks pregnant with baby number 5 and just got the seasonal flu shot at my last drs. appt. I've gotten the shot with all of my pregnancies and each of my babies have turned out fine - no health issues. Since we will have a newborn in the house in January, I'm getting the whole family vaccinated to protect her. With so many kids, someone is bound to get exposed to it at school! When you are pregnant, your immune system is compromised so you won't be able to fight it off as you normally would. I'm a little nervous about the swine flu vaccine but even more nervous since two pregnant women died from it. My ob is recommending it so I'll probably get it too. They have tested it to make sure it is safe for pregnant women. Talk with your ob doctor and maybe even a pediatrician you'd like to have for your child. You need to do what you are comfortable with, but make sure you get enough information. And, as I tell my children, keep washing those hands!! Haha!
Are you trying to make a decision?
A friend recently sent me a letter clarifying the concerns and addressing questions on safety and effectiveness. This has certainly clarified the decision I will make for my family.
The entire letter is available for you to read.
To Your Health,
L.
Hello C.,
Now that you are in the second trimester it is safe to get a flu shot. I got one with both of my pregnancies and it was fine. I understand your hesitation with the swine flu shot. You can discuss it with your doctor and see what he/she says/recommends I am a teacher also and knows what it is like to be in direct contact with kids who may be sick. Overall, it is best to protect yourself and the developing fetus. Definitely get the seasonal flu shot and then see how u feel about the swine flu one when it comes around next month.
Hi C.,
There is no guarantee of safety, meds and vaccines cannot be tested on pregnant women. The CDC does recommend these vaccines for pregnanct women, but I likely wouldn't get them if it was me even though pregnant women are at a higher risk for mortality if they contract swine flu than other people who have it. The H1N1 vaccine is brand new, there hasn't been enough time for reporting and publicizing adverse reactions so I am passing on it despite working in an elementary school and having two school aged kids
Please listen to your doctor's recommendations. You'll need the shots if you are a teacher - you will be exposed to so much. And be cautious about what you read on the internet - so much misinformation and propaganda is out there!!
With my first pregnancy over 11 yrs ago, I never even thought of getting a flu shot. When I was pg with my second (after having a miscarriage) my offfice was offering the flu shot. My ob thought it was a good idea to get vaccinated. When I was pg with the twins, our pediatrician advised that the entire family get vaccinated.
I think I waited until I was 18-20 weeks, but speak with your dr to be sure. Our pediatrician is suggesting the basic flu shot for any children ages 6mo-18yrs. This is not the 'swine flu' vaccine as that is still a bit controversal, but a vaccine that will 'cover' a broad spectrum of flu symtoms.
I am a healthcare worker and many are objecting to this vaccine in particular. The gov't approved widespread distribution totally bypassing proper testing of it. The swine flu is another type of flu (there are many strains) and those unfortunately who suffered the worst consequences of it had other health concerns. I understand your fears as you are pregnant & work w/ kids.
Try to educate yourself on strengthening your immune system instead by checking one site mercola.com. YOu will see ways to prevent and care for yourself and your little baby.
