How Pregnancy Increases Risk of Flu Complications
                                                       by Shelley Scheibel, RN, BSN

Getting the flu shot during pregnancy brings special concerns, especially in regards to your baby's health and safety. But, due to the growing number of recent hospitalizations, and even deaths, associated with flu complications, you may be considering the flu shot in 2013. By doing some personal research, along with seeking the advice of your physician, you will be able to make a better decision for you and your baby.

A basic understanding of why pregnancy puts you at a higher risk of getting the flu and having complications may be helpful:

1. During pregnancy, your body has a decreased ability to fight off viral (flu/influenza) and bacteria infections, due to the changes in your hormone levels. This means you can catch the flu easier!

2. During pregnancy, your body has an increased demand for oxygen, needing to provide a good supply to you and your baby. During the flu, your lungs can fill up with fluid and mucous, decreasing oxygen supply, which is dangerous for the both of you!

3. During the final months of pregnancy, your body has decreased lung capacity. As your belly grows, it becomes more difficult to breath as the baby presses up against your diaphragm (under your lungs). Again, as the flu causes your lungs to fill up with fluid and mucous, this adds to the breathing difficulty you may already be experiencing with pregnancy. This not only causes decreased oxygen supply, but decreased ability for you to cough up mucous, which can lead to pneumonia!

4. During pregnancy, sinus congestion is common due to hormones and increased blood volume. During the flu, your sinuses fill with fluid & mucous, causing additional swelling and discomfort, then making you more susceptible to a sinus infection!

In summary, the physical changes of pregnancy, coupled with flu symptoms, can put you and your baby at risk for dangerous complications. If you experience flu symptoms, call your doctor!

Additional information can be found by clicking on the links below:

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/01/07/4-reasons-why-pregnant-women-should-consider-flu-shot/

http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/news/2013/01/11/flu-outbreak-prompts-cdc-action-to-get-more-latinos-vaccinated/

http://vitals.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/09/27/14125722-flu-shots-still-a-hard-sell-health-experts-find?lite

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6132a3.htm

http://www.babymed.com/pregnancy/sinus-congestion-during-pregnancy