From the article: Avoiding the H1N1 Virus and Staying Healthy in Pregnancy
Everywhere you turn, there is someone talking about the swine flu (H1N1 virus) and pregnancy. We know that there are ways to Prevent the H1N1 Virus like handwashing and avoiding sick people. There is also a vaccine coming. What are you doing to protect yourself and your baby? Will you take the vaccine? Will you avoid crowds? Have you talked to your practitioner about a plan of action if you do fall ill? Share Your Thoughts
Effects of H1N1 Vaccination on Unborn
- The mother of our granddaughter received the H1N1 vaccination about three weeks before our granddaughter was born. Immediately after birth medical staff were concerned about the condition of the baby. Now after four months and many tests and hospital stays, a neurologist has found from an MRI that the baby's brain and brain stem are smaller than they should be. There is also more fluid around the brain than there should be. Therefore doctors say to expect slow and limited development. The very interesting point is that the neorologist says he feels that what ever caused the unusual brain development happened late in the pregnancy!
- —Guest Worried Grandma
You CAN'T get the flu from the vaccine
- Just so you are aware, you CANNOT get the flu from the flu SHOT. The viral component of the vaccine is only pieces of the virus, and as such it is a DEAD virus, therefore you cannot get the flu. If you have "flu-like symptoms", you may have already been exposed to the virus before the vaccine took effect in your immune system (typically 2 weeks to take effect), OR most reactions after receiving a vaccination are fever, muscle and joint soreness, achy, lethargy, and some pain at the site. If you have those symptoms, just take some Tylenol, drink some extra fluids, and get some rest. Don't blame the vaccine! When you get vaccinated, you are not only protecting yourself, or your children. You are protecting an infinite number of people around you or who could potentially come into contact with you when you could be carrying and transmitting a virus without even knowing you've been infected (not showing symptoms YET or never showing symptoms!) Take care of yourself AND OTHERS. Be well
- —Guest Laura RN
I've had mine!
- I had my swine flu jab my arm was really painful the 1st night but I've had it pretty easy after I've heard of some of the complaints people have had. Fingers crossed all will be well...
- —mumof6plusexpecting
Vitamin D
- Vitamin D is also a great way to protect against the flu. We can get it from sunlight.
- —Guest Joanne
Get all the information
- In Canada, there is less mercury in the H1N1 flu shot than there is in a tuna fish sandwich. Yes, we're told to reduce mercury intake, but make sure the amount you're avoiding in the shot is actually an amount that is a concern. Check to see how much mercury is in the shot available in the US before you freak out and avoid a shot that could save your life or your baby's life.
- —Guest Laura
Not Fun
- As someone who contracted H1N1 during her third trimester, I would highly recommend pregnant women do anything possible to protect themselves from this flu. Whether you get a flu shot, or choose to protect yourself in another way (I've read that salt-water gargling and nasal cleansing can be effective). I was completely bed-ridden, exhausted, and in extreme discomfort for several days, even after beginning a treatment of tamiflu. 7 days later and I'm still tired, and sore. Several of my acquaintances have found themselves in the hospital with pneumonia and breathing difficulty. If you do find yourself with symptoms, see your dr. rightaway, because tamiflu is only affective if begun within the first 48 hours of symptoms.
- —Guest kristen
vaccines
- The H1N1 vaccine is no different than the seasonal flu vaacine which has been given for the last 20+ years with the exception of the viruse that it is meant to protect us from. So we have had years of its use and proven safety. If they virus mutates then potentially it will not be as effective but hopefully it will still impart some immunity so we will fair better if infected.
- —Guest cec
Leaning towards NO
- My gut tells me not to get this shot. I have heard that doctors say to get it because of the high risk of pregnant woman who are more likely to pass because of complications...but then I read that others doctors tell them not to worry if they do not want to take the H1N1 vaccine. All I know is that it is new, unproven and I am only 10 weeks. I have always gotten the flu after getting the regular flu shot and do not get the flu when I do not get the shot. I am thinking the same might happen with this one! I will keep hands clean, cover my mouth and rest as much as I can. That will keep me safer I think.
- —Guest Sheri
Not taking vaccine
- Confused, worried, I am not planning to taking flu or swine flu shots. Planning to avoid sick people and crowd.
- —Guest Raji
No for me
- My obstetrician has told me not to have the vaccination, as there is no thorough testing, and no way of knowing if the vaccination will cause harm or illness. I just don't want to risk it, so I'm saying no for now.
- —Guest Jacqui
Still Undecided
- I haven't decided what to do about both flu vaccines. I've never had a flu shot so I'm kind of weary about it although I know it's important and crucial right now. I think the H1N1 vaccine is still too new and we don't know enough about it to know the outcome. I only work one on one with my clients and have a very easy job. I most likely will get the flu shot but not the H1N1 shot. I plan to just stay away from high risk areas and I'm especially careful when I go out in public. I always carry hand sanitizer with me and use it after touching door handles, shopping carts, etc. I've also become more aware of not touching my eyes, nose, or mouth without washing my hands. I'm just taking extra precaution and pray I don't get sick.
- —summerdayz
swine flu vaccine
- The swine flu vaccine is new and usually it takes years for a vaccine to be proven safe. Many side effects are not known and I am afraid to take it. The regular flu vaccine is not really reducing the risk for flu. Many of the people I know got the flu after vaccination.
- —Guest manuela
Concerned
- I am leaning towards not getting the vaccine, unless I can find one that is made without the mercury. Both of my children have severe egg allergies and I fear what it will do to my unborn baby...I just do no know!
- —Guest Amy
Thimerosal and Vaccines
- In response to bek, this is directly from the CDC website: Is it safe for pregnant women to receive an influenza vaccine that contains thimerosal? Yes. A study of influenza vaccination examining over 2,000 pregnant women demonstrated no adverse fetal effects associated with influenza vaccine. Case reports and limited studies indicate that pregnancy can increase the risk for serious medical complications of influenza. One study found that out of every 10,000 women in their third trimester of pregnancy during an average flu season, 25 will be hospitalized for flu related complications. Additionally, influenza-associated excess deaths among pregnant women have been documented during influenza pandemics. Because pregnant women are at increased risk for influenza-related complications and because a substantial safety margin has been incorporated into the health guidance values for organic mercury exposure, the benefits of influenza vaccine with reduced or standard thimerosal content...
- —BethP781
Fetal complications from Flu
- The flu, regular flu or S1N1, can lead to very serious problems in the fetus even if the mother gets over it with little issue. Babies can suffer brain trama, mental retardation, and cerebral palsy, among other things, from an infection in the womb or from the flu, where the mother's immune system goes into overdrive and actually starts attacking the fetal cells. As for the flu shot, do you KNOW? It contains thermasil. The children's vaccines have been getting the hype but the regular seasonal flu shots have always contained thermasil. If you are pregnant ASK FOR THE THERMASIL FREE SHOT!!!! This includes the S1N1 flu shot. They are harder to come by, but worth it. Pass it on to your pregnant friends. Get educated about thermasil in flu shots. There are options. I get the flu shots for myself and my family, but only the thermasil/mercury free ones. They are now recommending 2 flu shots for the h1n1 flu. Good luck!
- —Guest apstarlet
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