COVID-19, Pregnancy
The Importance of the Flu Vaccine for Pregnant Women
For pregnant women, the pandemic has already provided so much to be aware of — and, let’s be honest, worry about — when it comes to your health, so considering something like a flu vaccination raises some important questions. Should I get vaccinated this year? Is the shot safe for me? Is it safe for my baby?
This month, we look at these questions and examine why this year, perhaps more than ever, it is important that everyone 6 months of age and older —including and especially pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding—be vaccinated against the flu.
Should I Get a Flu Shot?
Setting aside for a moment any specific concerns related to pregnancy, the mountain of research on the importance and effectiveness of annual flu vaccinations for everyone over 6 months of age should not be ignored. For those still unsure, even a cursory glimpse at the what experts highlight as the benefits of the flu vaccine should remove any doubt:
- Reduced risk of needing medical care for the flu by 40%-60%
- Reduced risk of hospitalization for children, working adults, and seniors
- Reduced risk of child mortality
- Reduced severity and duration of symptoms in those who do get sick
- Protects the health of those around you who are vulnerable or high-risk
- Reduced risk of flu-associated symptoms in women during and after pregnancy
Getting a flu shot is a safe, accessible, and potentially life-saving measure for you and those around you, especially during the current coronavirus pandemic.
Flu Vaccine & COVID-19
Remaining safe and healthy during the pandemic starts with a review of and adherence to prescribed measures from the experts on ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These measures save lives, but as we know too well, this virus has spread even with these measures in place. This is a time to take every opportunity to protect yourself and others.
A flu vaccination offers protection from the immune-suppressed and weakened state brought on by seasonal flu, and more importantly, lessens that chances that someone will need hospitalization and resources which are sorely needed to aid in the fight against COVID-19. Further, seasonal flu and COVID-19 share many symptoms, so vaccinating yourself against the flu means that if symptoms do appear, diagnosis and treatment of the appropriate virus becomes clearer for your caregivers.
For pregnant women, seasonal flu can be particularly dangerous, as normal changes to your immune system, heart, and lungs can make you more susceptible to complications from the flu. These same immunologic and physiologic changes may also make them more susceptible to viral respiratory infections, including COVID-19. A flu vaccine is a simple, expert recommended way to protect yourself.
Is the Flu Shot Safe?
Yes. It is both safe and important for pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding to get vaccinated against the flu to protect themselves and their babies. These annually updated vaccines are developed with the highest possible safety standards, and are rigorously tested by the FDA and CDC. Decades of research and study, and millions of vaccinations to pregnant women have shown that getting the flu vaccine is a safe for women who are pregnant and women who are breastfeeding, and can reduce their risk of flu-related acute respiratory infection by up to 50%. But more than being safe, it’s important for both you and your baby.
Safe & Important for Moms-to-Be
As we referenced above, the normal changes your immune system undergoes during pregnancy can present a higher risk of severe flu complications. You are also at an increased risk of complications during pregnancy such as preterm labor or preterm birth. Further, there are numerous risks for the baby associated with severe or long-term fever in the mother. “The flu virus is highly infectious and can be particularly dangerous to pregnant women, as it can cause pneumonia, premature labor, and other complications,” said Laura Riley, MD, chair of ACOG’s Immunization Expert Work Group, “vaccination every year, early in the season and regardless of the stage of pregnancy, is the best line of defense.”
Healthy moms are more likely to have healthy babies. You’ve already done so much to prepare yourself and your life to welcome the baby, taking the step to protect yourself is an important way to stay out of the hospital and be prepared to meet this new life.
Safe & Important for Babies
We’ve outlined the numerous reasons why it is important for pregnant women to be vaccinated against the flu this year, but it’s important to recognize that getting vaccinated for the flu while you’re pregnant also provides several benefits for the baby. The flu vaccine isn’t approved for infant use before 6 months of age, so getting vaccinated during pregnancy allows the antibodies that the mother’s body develops to fight the virus to be passed to the infant through the placenta, and continues to help protect the baby after birth. Similarly, mothers who breastfeed can share these antibodies through breastmilk to aid the baby’s healthy and safe development.
Two Types of Vaccine
It is important to note that there are currently two types of vaccines against the seasonal flu: an injection (shot) that contains a deadened or inactive form of the flu virus, and a nasal mist containing a live, attenuated form of the virus. While both provide measures of protection against the seasonal flu, it is strongly recommended that pregnant women ONLY seek the flu shot with the inactive form of the virus. It can be obtained at any point in their pregnancy, whereas the nasal mist is only recommended for women after they have given birth and ceased breastfeeding.
As our society is struggling to find the science, resources, and path through this terrible pandemic, taking the simple, accessible, and expert-recommended step of getting a flu shot has innumerable benefits for you, your baby, and everyone around you. This year, more than ever, consider vaccination.
If you are pregnant and think you have the flu, contact your provider right away to discuss getting the care you need.
It`s always a special day when one of our Axia babies comes to visit! 💜Sweet baby Harland and mom Paige came to visit with Dr. Esguerra at our Women`s Specialty Care practice in Fort Wayne, Indiana. We`re so thankful for our patients who share these special moments with us!
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#womenshealth #pregnancy #obgyn #babypic
ICYMI: New guidelines from ACOG and the CDC support RSV vaccination during pregnancy. RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is most commonly spread in the fall and winter months. It is also the most common cause of hospitalization among infants in the U.S. By getting vaccinated, you can pass on those protective antibodies and protect your baby`s future health!
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#RSV #pregnancy #obgyn #womenshealth #newbornhealth #babyhealth
Dr. Jennifer Gilbert, an Axia Women`s Health OB/GYN, recently spoke with Parents.com to offer insights on how to know you`re in labor and when it`s time to go to the hospital. Spoiler alert: it isn’t always how it appears in the movies! Read the full article via the link in our bio. 🔗
#laborsigns #laboranddelivery #pregnancy #obgyn #womenshealth
Fun fact: Studies show more babies are born in September than in any other month. Sending love to all our Axia Women`s Health babies! 💙
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#septemberbabies💙 #septemberbirthday #pregnancy #obgyn #womenshealth #baby
DYK there are different uterus shapes? Certain shapes could impact your ability to conceive or to have a healthy pregnancy. As always, it’s important to keep up with regular gynecologic exams and if you`re having trouble conceiving, it`s important to talk with your Axia Women`s Health provider. Swipe through to learn more.
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#womenshealth #reproductivehealth #pregnancy #uterushealth #obgyn
Say hello to one of the newest members of the Axia community, baby Josephine! One of the many joys of being an OB/GYN provider is helping support our patients throughout their pregnancy journey. It’s especially rewarding when those patients are our own colleagues! Dr. Sarah Borders and Dr. Allison Cook from our Lexington, KY area practice are not only friends and colleagues but had the incredible experience of delivering each others’ babies. Congratulations Dr. Borders and best wishes as you celebrate your little bundle of joy, baby Josephine!
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#obgyn #womenshealth #pregnancy #motherhood #obgynpractice
With heat waves rippling across much of the U.S., it`s important to take precautions to protect your health and your baby`s. Swipe through for what you need to know in order to summer safely while pregnant.
#summerheat☀️🔥 #pregnancytips #heatwave🔥 #summerpregnancy #SummerSafety #summer #summer2023
Millions of Americans are under air quality alerts as as a result of the smoke from the Canadian wildfires. Increased exposure to high rates of air pollution can pose risk, especially to pregnant individuals. Swipe through for safety tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
#canadawildfire #airpollution #pregancytips #maternalhealth #smoke #wildfires
In honor of #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, we`re shining a light on the importance of maternal mental health. While pregnancy and motherhood is filled with so many happy moments, it can also be an isolating and certain time for some. If you`re struggling with feelings of isolation, sadness, or anxiety you`re not alone.
Happy Mother’s Day! 💜 Today, we honor all those who have taken on mothering in any shape or form. We know each woman’s path to motherhood can be different, and no matter where you are in your journey we’re here to support you. Thank you for allowing us to be a special part of your care journey!
Thank you to Mom.com for featuring us in your latest article about pelvic organ prolapse, a condition that often goes undiscussed. It may sound scary, but with the right support it is manageable! Visit link in bio to read the full article.
#postpartum #postpartumsupport #pelvicorganprolapse #pelvicfloorphysicaltherapy #pregnancysupport
Did you know that your menstrual cycle is more than just the main event – your period? It’s actually a series of four different phases that each play a role in your reproductive health. Getting in touch with your cycle can help you with planning for pregnancy and even detecting other health issues. Swipe right to learn more.
The fertility awareness method (tracking of your menstrual cycle in order to prevent pregnancy) has been gaining traction on TikTok and other social media channels of late. But, does it work? Axia Women`s Health OB/GYN, Dr. Daniel DiSabatino, explains what you need to know about the risks/benefits in a recent interview with Yahoo! Swipe through to learn more.
#fertilityawareness #birthcontrol #naturalfamilyplanning #cycletracking #contraception
With many different options for prenatal vitamins available on the market, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. Swipe right to learn the top expert recommended ingredients to support you and your baby.
Finding a healthcare provider who you trust and feel comfortable with is so important. At Axia Women`s Health, we`re proud to build relationships that span decades - from puberty through pregnancy. Thank you, Brittney, for sharing your experience with us! 💙
credit: @mrs_kochanski89
‘Tis the season of giving thanks, and we couldn’t be more thankful for our incredible patient community! 🙏🏻💛Thank you for trusting us with your care. Through the happy moments and the sad, from puberty to pregnancy and even into the golden years, through challenges and joyous moments, we thank you for allowing us to be a part of your journey.
#thankful #appreciationpost #patientcare #givethanks #pregnancy #obgyn #gynecology
All moms know that holding your baby is an important part of bonding emotionally. But did you know it can also provide physical benefits? Kangaroo Care, a specific form of skin-to-skin contact, can have benefits for both preemies and their parents. Research shows that holding a baby to your bare chest can help regulate the baby`s heart rate, breathing, and body temperature as well as promote bonding. To all of the NICU mamas, we see you and salute your strength!
#worldpreemieday💜
Do you know the physical signs of ovulation? If you`re trying to get pregnant, tracking ovulation can go a long way to helping you conceive. Beyond that, knowing your ovulation patterns can clue you in on other potential health issues like PCOS or thyroid conditions. Swipe right to learn the signs.
#ovulationtracking #ovulationsigns #TTC #ovulation #ovulationstest #tryingtoconceivetips #tryingtoconceive
Pregnancy and infant loss is a uniquely personal and complicated experience that affects each woman differently. No matter your experience, we`re here to remind you that your grief is valid and you`re not alone. Save this post as a reminder anytime you need support. <3
#pregnancyinfantlossday
It`s sexual health month, so 🎶let`s talk about sex 🎶 post-baby. Perhaps, you`ve had your 6-week-checkup but still aren`t feeling ready to be intimate again...that`s completely okay!
There`s so much to navigate as a new mom. 🤯It can be challenging to find the time or energy to be intimate with your partner. 👩❤️💋👨
But, if you`re feeling ready and are bothered by symptoms like pain or discomfort, don`t be afraid to speak up! Your Axia Women`s Health provider is here to help.
