The Importance of Getting a Flu Shot While Pregnant
Although we're well into the flu season, there are still several months left to go. Therefore, if you've been putting off getting a flu shot, it's time to stop procrastinating—especially if you have a little one on the way. Protecting yourself from illness is a critical element of proper prenatal care.
Flu Shots for Women's Health
According to the CDC, pregnant women are especially vulnerable during flu season, and it's more common for complications to arise: "Changes in the immune system, heart, and lungs during pregnancy make pregnant women (and women up to two weeks postpartum) more prone to severe illness from flu, as well as to hospitalizations and even death."
That's why it's so important to take as many precautions as you can to avoid getting sick in the first place. Even though flu shots do not protect against all strains of flu, they do shield against the year's most common strains; thus, making them the best protection against the illness.
Preventative Care for Your Newborn
If you're not particularly concerned about your own health, think of the baby. A flu shot can help protect your child both in the womb and after birth. Sickness can cause premature labor and delivery, which is often connected to health problems during the child's infancy and even throughout the rest of their life.
Additionally, since newborns cannot receive flu vaccines before they're six months old, it's important for them to have at least some degree of immunity. A flu shot given to a mother has been shown to protect her baby from flu for up to six months after birth. Remember that friends and relatives love to touch and hold infants, so the flu shot is an important element of baby care.
Is The Flu Shot Safe During Pregnancy?
Vaccines are commonly the subject of a lot of rumors. However, don't trust that all-caps image that your aunt shared on Facebook; instead, look to the science. Many studies conducted on the subject report that flu shots are safe for pregnant women, and millions of women have incorporated vaccines into their pregnancy care routines with minimal to no side effects.
To conclude, although getting a flu vaccine should be one of your first priorities in your prenatal care regimen, don't neglect taking other safeguards in your day-to-day life as well.
- Wash your hands and use hand sanitizer frequently
- Avoid sick people
- Try not to touch your face
- Load up on the fruits, veggies, and vitamins
Having a newborn is tough enough without being sick. Stay healthy and enjoy welcoming your new family member to the world!
As a leading provider of compassionate, highly qualified Lake City and Gainesville, FL OB/GYN care, specialists at All About Women Obstetrics and Gynecology offer women and families the best obstetrics and gynecology information and care – whether that be in-person or through outlets such as this website. Helping all women better understand their general health and pregnancy needs is a critical mission of the practice.
Drs. Anthony Agrios, M.D, Joseph lobst, M.D. and their highly capable nurse midwives, nurses and support staff offer Gainesville, Lake City and surrounding areas in Florida the most complete, personal care for women during pregnancy and all stages of life. Everyone from the front-desk assistant to Drs. Agrios and lobst take special care to carefully listen to all of your questions and concerns and make you feel welcome.
In addition to comprehensive pregnancy care, All About Women also offers everything from simple birth control treatment to complex hysterectomy surgery using the most technologically advanced treatment options available, including the innovative DaVinci Robotic surgical system. With offices adjoining a world-class hospital, gynecology specialists at All About Women are capable of offering world class care in a hometown setting.