by Jennifer Bunn

Created on: September 08, 2009

As fall approaches, heralding the return of seasonal flu as well as an expected surge in novel H1N1 influenza cases, communities, towns, cities and the government are scrambling to prepare for what may be the worst flu season to be seen in many years. Granted, there has been much media hype regarding swine flu since it was first recognized in April of 2008; however, the numbers have overall been better than expected as far as the mortality rate for the virus is concerned. There are some populations who are at special risk from the H1N1 virus, and pregnant women are included as one of these groups.

What is concerning is how the virus affects pregnant women. Pregnant women seem to be especially prone to developing severe complications from the H1N1 virus. Pregnant women comprise 6% of the total number of deaths ascribed to the virus. Pregnant women seem to be more susceptble to these effects for two reason: firstly, pregnancy alters a women's immune system such that she becomes less capable of fighting off infection, and secondly, the growing baby tends to apply pressure on the lungs as the baby grows, accounting for the breathlessness that many women experience, especially towards the end of their pregnancy.

H1N1 is a novel influenza, meaning that it has never before been seen. Although people born before 1957 seem to have some immunity to the H1N1 flu due to its similarity to an influenza outbreak of that time, most people have no immunity to this flu. Pregnant women and their unborn babies are no exception. There are some ways that pregnant women can protect themselves. The most important thing that pregnant women can do to protect themselves and their unborn babies is to get vaccinated against the illness. Although taking any form of medication is anathema to many pregnant women, pregnant women are being urged by the government to get their vaccinations against influenza, stating that the risk from the vaccine is less that the risk of contracting the disease.

Pregnant women can also follow some simple measures to stay healthy. Eating a well-balanced diet (a part of every healthy pregnancy regime), getting plenty of rest and avoiding unnecessary stress are all common sense strategies, as is frequent washing of the hands, practicing good respiratory hygiene techniques and teaching other family members to do the same. Avoiding touching of the eyes, nose and mouth can also reduce your chances of becoming ill. Avoiding crowds is also important, as large crowds tend to spread illness. If a pregnant women has school-aged children, she may want to arrange to have her children picked up and dropped off by alternate people if there happens to be an outbreak at the school. Attending regualr prenatal visits and taking any prescribed vitamins will also help pregnant women to stay as healthy as possible in the event they do become ill.

Pregnant women should not panic about H1N1; they should, however, follow all advice of their doctor and keep abreast of government recommendations regading pregnancy and H1N1. The CDC government website is an excellent place to receive information. Should you become ill, you will want to contact your physician immediately for instructions. There are guidelines regarding the taking of Tamiflu for influenza during pregnancy. Ask you doctor about Tamiflu should you become ill.

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