Special Alert: Swine Flu, Pregnancy & Fertility
With the swine flu now holding the potential for a worldwide pandemic, there is perhaps no one more worried about getting sick than women who are pregnant.
This is particularly true for those of you over 35 who may already be struggling with fertility issues – or maybe undergoing fertility treatments right now.
The good news is that pregnancy doesn’t necessarily increase your risk for getting the swine flu – or any other type of flu. However, it is important to note that if you do get the flu while you are pregnant, studies show you are up to five times more likely to suffer serious complications – such as pneumonia. And that is often where most of the flu fatalities lie.
In terms of risks to your baby, the greatest threat from illnesses such as the flu occur from high fevers in the mother during pregnancy. Sustained body temperature over 101 degrees, and particularly over 102 degrees can increase the risk of miscarriage and lead to an increased risk of neural tube defects in your baby – which include life-threatening malformations of the brain and spine.
The good news is there are things you can do to prevent these problems even if you get the flu.
The first is to control your fever.The March of Dimes recommends acetaminophen (Tylenol) but talk to your doctor first to make certain it’s okay for you. You should also try to keep your body as cool as possible with cold compresses, and drink plenty of fluids. Pregnancy is not the time to “sweat out ” a fever.
Second is continue to take your prenatal vitamins – particularly 1000 mcg of folic acid. Studies conducted at the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities in England, found that women who took a multi vitamin high in folic acid during pregnancy decreased their baby’s risk of birth defects, even if they ran a fever while pregnant.
In terms of the the two medications used to treat swine flu – Tamiflu and Relenza – like other flu medications they are ranked by the FDA as “Category C ” drugs – meaning they have not been tested for use during pregnancy. That said, it’s important to note that there have not been any cases of birth defects or other serious health concerns linked to the use of these drugs in pregnant women who have used them.
So, if symptoms are severe, your doctor might suggest a course of either drug, and if this is the case, experts say don’t be fearful.
Finally, relax and don’t worry! Right now, the stress and anxiety of worrying about getting sick is likely to cause you more harm than the risk of actually getting the flu, which at this point is still quite small.
For more tips and information on swine flu and pregnancy, and some important details on what to do if you contract swine flu while undergoing fertility treatments, check out this article on GettingPregnantNow.org.
For more health and beauty information for women over 35 visit www.RedDressDiary.com.
Colette Bouchez is an award-winning health journalist with over 2 decades of experience including content producer at WebMD and senior medical reporter at the New York Daily News. As a Healthy Lifestyle Expert she is the author of 8 books on women’s health and wellness and the director of 3 prominent womens wellness websites including YourMenopause.com, PamperingMom.com, TheVzone.net, and GettingPregnantNow.org.
For unknown reasons, the “Swine Flu” H1N1 has been more severe in Mexico than it has been anywhere else in the world. I have friends and family in Mexico City right now and to them and everyone else that has been affected by this virus I wish you a speedy recovery and/or keep you safe from infection. Mexico needs big ((((((((((HUGS)))))))))) I was in the clinic/urgent care on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. One of those days I had to wear a mask and I got asked all kinds of questions about going out of the country and if I’ve had contact with anyone who has recently been to Mexico. It was truly weird since I was at the hospital for back pain around my kidneys. I’m much better now so no worries. I made this video because it was pretty weird having to be asked all those questions about flu symptoms and Mexico. By the time I got to see the actual doctor he laughed and made me take the face mask off. He also informed me that there have not been any Swine Flu cases in our area nor have there been any seasonal Flu cases in the last week or so but that they were now being regulated to ask everyone who comes into urgent care with a temp. if they have been out of the country. Obviously I had an over anxious nurse checking me in! I did volunteer for the full rectal exam. I mean, we can’t be too careful right? AHAHA! Just kidding! But seriously, if you need one you should really get one because a healthy colon makes for a happy pooper! We should put that on a T-shirt and make our …
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