Make A Flu Shot A Priority, Expectant Mothers!

Expectant mothers should make getting a flu shot a top priority.

"Getting a flu shot should be a routine part of prenatal care," said Edward McCabe, MD, March of Dimes chief medical officer, in a news release. "Health care providers should offer their pregnant patients a flu shot each year and if they don't, then women should ask for it."

The study shows that thousands of moms-to-be and their babies are at increased risk of this serious illness as many miss out on the vital vaccine.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted that many pregnant women whose health care providers offered them a flu shot had the highest vaccination rates.

All pregnant women and those planning to become pregnant should receive a flu shot because the normal changes to a pregnant woman's immune system, heart and lungs put moms-to-be at increased risk of the harmful effects of flu infection. Also, babies born to mothers who got their flu shot while pregnant were protected from serious illness from influenza during their first six months of life. They also had a lower risk of flu-related hospitalizations for chronic asthma, heart conditions, diabetes, a weakened immune system, and other health-related problems.

For the study, researchers looked at thousands of pregnant women who received the seasonal flu vaccine. Findings revealed that immunized moms did not have a higher risk of babies being born too soon or developing a birth defect that could potentially be related to complications from the flu, such as stillbirth, in severe cases.

At this time, the CDC recommends that everyone six months of age or older, including pregnant women, be vaccinated annually against the influenza virus.

In addition, pregnant women can lower their risk for this health issue by limiting contact with sick individuals, keeping good hygiene when coughing or sneezing and thoroughly washing hands after being in public places. Their partners should also be immunized against the flu.

Those who may develop influenza need to look out for signs of infection; this can include sudden onset of muscle aches, cough or even fever. If it does happen, receiving the proper treatment as soon as possible can help to prevent future damage to you and your future child.

More information regarding the findings can be seen via the journal Morbidity and Mortality.