H1N1 and pregnancy

Recently, H1N1, also known as "swine flu" has gained a high magnitude of media attention. With all of the information and attention that H1N1 has attained, it is only natural that people of all ages are interested in knowing the implications of "catching" this virus.

Pregnant women are no different. In fact, women in the third trimester of pregnancy (women that are greater than 28 weeks or 7 months pregnant) bear a disproportionate burden of disease. Women in the third trimester are more likely than their non pregnant counterparts to suffer respiratory compromise when contracting H1N1 (and the flu in general prior to H1N1). This is thought to be due to the effect of the growing uterus and decreased lung capacity in the third trimester. Put another way, in the third trimester, the baby begins to take up so much space that lungs become less spacious and therefore put pregnant women at a higher risk to have complications compared to someone that is earlier on in their pregnancy when the lung volume is greater.

Symptoms of the flu include Fever AND/or cough with or without sputum and sore throat at a minimum. Other symptoms that may or may not be present include body aches, difficulty breathing, runny nose, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. It is important to remember the top symptoms which are Fever with a cough or sore throat. If you have diarrhea for one day or are nauseated one time, it DOES NOT mean you have H1N1. Normal ailments of pregnancy will continue, so it is important not to be overly paranoid.

Treatment for H1N1 exists. It is most affective when starting treatment within the first 48 hours of symptoms. The medication helps to prevent the virus from multiply and spreading to more cells within the human body, therefore helping symptoms to resolves faster. Some women with severe symptoms may require hospitalization, which will be determined by the health care provider. Telephone followup is another way in which health care providers may choice to follow patients once treatment begins to ensure that symptoms aren't worsening, while providing minimal exposure to others.

Though the virus is spread through droplets (meaning by air) when someone coughs or sneezes, it is important to practice proper hand washing as well. When you sneeze, try and use your arm to cover your sneeze or cough rather than your hand, thus decreasing the spread of germs in general. It is recommended STRONGLY that pregnant women receive the flu vaccine. This year's standard flu vaccine does not include protection from H1N1 due to the fact that it was manufactured prior to emergence of H1N1.

Each year, epidimiologists look at current flu strains predict which strains will be prevelant for the following year, thus flu vaccines are made approximately a year in advance. When the epidiemiologist get it right, there are lower rates of flu in suceptiable populations receiving the flu vaccine. When they are wrong, or a new strain develops outside of the flu season, suceptible populations are at greater risk of contracting some form of the flu. It is important, however, to still receive that standard flu vaccine if you are pregnant even if you do not receive the H1N1 vaccine. The "regular" flu is responsible for more than 30,000 deaths yearly and pregnant women are at greater risk for serious complications.

As always, if you have questions or concerns, make sure to contact a health care provider near you! :)