Table of ContentsView All
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Table of Contents
Reasons for Risks
Treatment
Vaccine Benefits
Flu Prevention
Contractingthe flu(influenza) during pregnancy poses a number of health risks to both you and your fetus. During pregnancy, you’re more likely to catch the flu due to changes in the body’s immune system. Pregnancy also increases the risk of flu complications, such aspneumonia. In turn, the flu increases the chance of problems like preterm labor, pregnancy loss, and birth defects.
Risks of Flu During Pregnancy Trimesters
Every trimester of pregnancy is different, and so are the potential risks of having the flu. Flu complications vary depending on when it is contracted (i.e. in the first, second, or third trimester).
A Word From VerywellPregnant people have the potential to get a lot sicker from the flu than nonpregnant people. I routinely recommend that my patients get the flu shot to avoid serious complications that can lead to hospitalization. If you’re pregnant and you think you have the flu, get evaluated as soon as possible, because early treatment is key to a quick recovery.—ANDREA BRADEN, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
Pregnant people have the potential to get a lot sicker from the flu than nonpregnant people. I routinely recommend that my patients get the flu shot to avoid serious complications that can lead to hospitalization. If you’re pregnant and you think you have the flu, get evaluated as soon as possible, because early treatment is key to a quick recovery.—ANDREA BRADEN, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Pregnant people have the potential to get a lot sicker from the flu than nonpregnant people. I routinely recommend that my patients get the flu shot to avoid serious complications that can lead to hospitalization. If you’re pregnant and you think you have the flu, get evaluated as soon as possible, because early treatment is key to a quick recovery.
—ANDREA BRADEN, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
First Trimester
You are most at risk of catching the flu during the first trimester because pregnancy makes it harder for the body’s immune system to fight off infection.Research also suggests that contracting the flu during the first trimester may increase the risk of fetal birth defects.
One 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis found that maternal influenza infections during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy were associated with higher chances of:
Second Trimester
After the first trimester, pregnancy has been linked to a higher risk of flu complications that may require hospitalization. Common examples include extremely high fevers andbronchitis, which may turn into pneumonia.
The flu may also raise your risk of late pregnancy loss, which is typically defined as occurring during the second trimester or later. One study found that bothinfluenza A and influenza Bwere linked to an increased chance of miscarriage during the 13th week of pregnancy or later.
Third Trimester
In the final weeks of pregnancy, preparing for a safe delivery for both parent and child is a top priority. Viral infections, including the flu, can increase the chance of childbirth-related risks likepremature labor, low birth weight, and even maternal and/or fetal death.
Reasons for Increased Risks
Pregnancy leads to many temporary changes in the way the immune system functions. Because of these shifts, pregnant people can get sicker than others from a variety of illnesses and infections, including the flu. They may notice that they get more severe flu symptoms than they did when they had the flu before pregnancy.
These symptoms may include:
During pregnancy, you are especially susceptible to respiratory symptoms, particularly those causing difficulty breathing, because of changes in anatomy and lung capacity. A change in lung capacity may put you at risk for alung infection, such as bronchitis or pneumonia as a result of the flu.Also, a high fever due to the flu has been associated with an increase of risk for fetal birth defects, such as neural tube defects, and hospitalization.
Flu Treatments Safe in Pregnancy
If you are pregnant and have flu symptoms, your healthcare provider may recommend that you undergo treatment right away to prevent complications.
The first-line treatment option for flu during pregnancy typically is an antiviral medication, such asTamiflu(oseltamivir). Antiviral medications can shorten the severity and duration of your illness. It’s best to take antivirals within 48 hours of your symptoms appearing.
The typical course of Tamiflu is twice daily for five days. Some healthcare providers also suggest taking antiviral drugs if you have come into direct contact with someone who has the flu while pregnant. To relieve your flu symptoms, get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids.Tylenol(acetaminophen) may help with body aches or headaches.
When to See a Healthcare ProviderRegardless of pregnancy, you should seek medical help right away if you experience any of the following flu symptoms:Excessive vomitingHigh fever (i.e. 105 degrees Fahrenheit or higher)Shortness of breath
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Regardless of pregnancy, you should seek medical help right away if you experience any of the following flu symptoms:Excessive vomitingHigh fever (i.e. 105 degrees Fahrenheit or higher)Shortness of breath
Regardless of pregnancy, you should seek medical help right away if you experience any of the following flu symptoms:
Flu Shot During Pregnancy
It’s recommended that pregnant women get the flu shot—either the inactivated or recombinant vaccine—rather than the live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV), which is given as a nasal spray. While it’s ideal to be vaccinated against the flu during October, you can get the vaccine during any trimester of pregnancy and any part of flu season (mainly comprising the fall and winter months and peaking from December through February).
Benefits
Side Effects
Side effects from the flu shot are typically mild, including during pregnancy. Common side effects include:
Allergic reactions to the flu vaccine are extremely rare. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you experience any symptoms ofanaphylaxis(a severe allergic reaction), such as:
How to Keep From Getting the Flu
There are several ways to protect yourself fromviral infectionslike the flu, including:
Summary
Influenza (flu) infections during pregnancy can increase your chance of developing severe symptoms, including health complications for which you may need to be hospitalized. Maternal flu infections have also been linked to premature childbirth, reduced birth weight, and an increased risk of certain birth defects, such as neural tube defects and cleft lip and palate.
15 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Influenza in pregnancy: Prevention and treatment.Mount Sinai.Pregnancy and the flu.U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.New study finds influenza during pregnancy is associated with increased risk of pregnancy loss and reduced birth weight. Last updated: October 29, 2020.Mátrai Á, Teutsch B, Váradi A, et al.First-trimester influenza infection increases the odds of non-chromosomal birth defects: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Viruses. 2022;14(12):2708. doi:10.3390/v14122708Dawood FS, Kittikraisak W, Patel A, et al.Incidence of influenza during pregnancy and association with pregnancy and perinatal outcomes in three middle-income countries: A multisite prospective longitudinal cohort study.Lancet Infect Dis. 2021;21(1):97-106. doi:10.1016/S1473-3099(20)30592-2The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.The flu vaccine and pregnancy.MedlinePlus.Pregnancy and the flu.LoMauro A, Aliverti A.Respiratory physiology of pregnancy: Physiology masterclass.Breathe (Sheff). 2015;11(4):297-301. doi:10.1183/20734735.008615U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Flu & pregnancy.MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.Flu.Penn Medicine.Fever.U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Flu vaccine safety and pregnancy.The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Physician FAQ: Influenza.Vaccinate Your Family.org.2024-25 flu season.MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.Anaphylaxis.
15 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Influenza in pregnancy: Prevention and treatment.Mount Sinai.Pregnancy and the flu.U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.New study finds influenza during pregnancy is associated with increased risk of pregnancy loss and reduced birth weight. Last updated: October 29, 2020.Mátrai Á, Teutsch B, Váradi A, et al.First-trimester influenza infection increases the odds of non-chromosomal birth defects: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Viruses. 2022;14(12):2708. doi:10.3390/v14122708Dawood FS, Kittikraisak W, Patel A, et al.Incidence of influenza during pregnancy and association with pregnancy and perinatal outcomes in three middle-income countries: A multisite prospective longitudinal cohort study.Lancet Infect Dis. 2021;21(1):97-106. doi:10.1016/S1473-3099(20)30592-2The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.The flu vaccine and pregnancy.MedlinePlus.Pregnancy and the flu.LoMauro A, Aliverti A.Respiratory physiology of pregnancy: Physiology masterclass.Breathe (Sheff). 2015;11(4):297-301. doi:10.1183/20734735.008615U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Flu & pregnancy.MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.Flu.Penn Medicine.Fever.U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Flu vaccine safety and pregnancy.The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Physician FAQ: Influenza.Vaccinate Your Family.org.2024-25 flu season.MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.Anaphylaxis.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Influenza in pregnancy: Prevention and treatment.Mount Sinai.Pregnancy and the flu.U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.New study finds influenza during pregnancy is associated with increased risk of pregnancy loss and reduced birth weight. Last updated: October 29, 2020.Mátrai Á, Teutsch B, Váradi A, et al.First-trimester influenza infection increases the odds of non-chromosomal birth defects: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Viruses. 2022;14(12):2708. doi:10.3390/v14122708Dawood FS, Kittikraisak W, Patel A, et al.Incidence of influenza during pregnancy and association with pregnancy and perinatal outcomes in three middle-income countries: A multisite prospective longitudinal cohort study.Lancet Infect Dis. 2021;21(1):97-106. doi:10.1016/S1473-3099(20)30592-2The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.The flu vaccine and pregnancy.MedlinePlus.Pregnancy and the flu.LoMauro A, Aliverti A.Respiratory physiology of pregnancy: Physiology masterclass.Breathe (Sheff). 2015;11(4):297-301. doi:10.1183/20734735.008615U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Flu & pregnancy.MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.Flu.Penn Medicine.Fever.U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Flu vaccine safety and pregnancy.The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Physician FAQ: Influenza.Vaccinate Your Family.org.2024-25 flu season.MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.Anaphylaxis.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Influenza in pregnancy: Prevention and treatment.
Mount Sinai.Pregnancy and the flu.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.New study finds influenza during pregnancy is associated with increased risk of pregnancy loss and reduced birth weight. Last updated: October 29, 2020.
Mátrai Á, Teutsch B, Váradi A, et al.First-trimester influenza infection increases the odds of non-chromosomal birth defects: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Viruses. 2022;14(12):2708. doi:10.3390/v14122708
Dawood FS, Kittikraisak W, Patel A, et al.Incidence of influenza during pregnancy and association with pregnancy and perinatal outcomes in three middle-income countries: A multisite prospective longitudinal cohort study.Lancet Infect Dis. 2021;21(1):97-106. doi:10.1016/S1473-3099(20)30592-2
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.The flu vaccine and pregnancy.
MedlinePlus.Pregnancy and the flu.
LoMauro A, Aliverti A.Respiratory physiology of pregnancy: Physiology masterclass.Breathe (Sheff). 2015;11(4):297-301. doi:10.1183/20734735.008615
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Flu & pregnancy.
MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.Flu.
Penn Medicine.Fever.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Flu vaccine safety and pregnancy.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Physician FAQ: Influenza.
Vaccinate Your Family.org.2024-25 flu season.
MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.Anaphylaxis.
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