Pregnancy comes with its own set of challenges, including a weakened immune system, making women more susceptible to viral infections like flu.

Influenza, commonly referred to as the flu, can cause serious complications for pregnant women, putting both the mother and baby in danger. This article delves into why the influenza virus is more dangerous during pregnancy and how you can protect yourself and your baby from this viral infection.

What is Influenza?

Influenza is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system. It spreads through contact with droplets from infected persons when they cough, sneeze, or talk. Symptoms of the flu include fever, body aches, cough, sore throat, and fatigue.

This virus primarily affects people in the winter season, and the symptoms may last up to ten days.

Why is Influenza More Dangerous During Pregnancy?

During pregnancy, the respiratory and circulatory systems undergo changes to accommodate the growing fetus. As a result, the immune system may become weakened, making pregnant women more susceptible to infections like influenza.

When a pregnant woman contracts the flu, it can lead to serious complications for both the mother and baby. Research shows that pregnant women who catch the flu are at a higher risk of hospitalization, pneumonia, and even death.

Furthermore, the flu can cause premature labor, low birth weight, and stillbirth.

The Role of Hormones

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect the immune system’s response to infections like the flu. Pregnant women produce more progesterone, which allows the uterus to expand and nourish the growing fetus.

However, progesterone also suppresses the immune system, making expectant mothers more vulnerable to infections.

Additionally, pregnant women have lower levels of natural killer cells, which are responsible for fighting viruses. This results in a weaker immune response, making it easier for the flu virus to infect a pregnant woman.

The Risk of Complications

Since the flu puts a strain on the respiratory system, pregnant women with pre-existing conditions such as asthma or heart disease are at a higher risk of contracting the virus’s complications.

If left untreated, the flu can lead to secondary bacterial infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis, both of which can be serious and even life-threatening for pregnant women.

Preventing the Flu during Pregnancy

The best way to protect yourself and your baby from the flu during pregnancy is to get vaccinated. The influenza vaccine is safe for pregnant women and has been shown to reduce the risk of infections and complications.

Doctors recommend that pregnant women get the flu shot during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Aside from getting vaccinated, pregnant women should take other measures to prevent the spread of the flu.

These measures include washing hands regularly with soap and water, avoiding close contact with sick people, covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and staying home when feeling sick.

Treating the Flu during Pregnancy

If a pregnant woman already has the flu, the best course of action is to seek medical attention immediately. Doctors may prescribe antiviral drugs such as oseltamivir or zanamivir, which can help alleviate symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.

These drugs are safe for pregnant women and have been shown to be effective in treating the flu.

Pregnant women should also get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids, and take over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen to relieve fever and pain.

It is important to avoid aspirin or ibuprofen as they can lead to complications during pregnancy.

Conclusion

The flu is a serious infection that can cause complications for pregnant women and their babies.

With a weakened immune system during pregnancy, women are more susceptible to the flu, and as such, they need to take extra precautions to protect themselves and their unborn babies. By getting vaccinated, taking preventive measures, and seeking immediate medical attention when sick, pregnant women can minimize the risks of the flu and its complications.