PREGNANCY TIPS: I Caught The Flu, Is It Bad For My Baby?

GREAT EXPECTATIONS

By Dr Lai Fon Min
Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist | A Company for Women, Camden Medical Centre
reprinted with permission from "Great Expectations" by Today's Parents magazine

I HAD A BAD FLU AND COUGH RECENTLY WITH A FEVER OF 38° C. I AM AFRAID IT MAY AFFECT MY BABY AS I AM THREE MONTHS PREGNANT. PLEASE ADVISE.

Influenza (commonly called “the flu”) is a common and contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. The flu can result in severe illness and life-threatening complications.

Influenza usually occurs in epidemics. What you are referring to as “flu” is more likely a “cold”.

Viral infections such as colds and flu are just as common when you’re pregnant as when you’re not, so many women end up worrying about whether a minor illness could harm their unborn child.

In general, there’s probably very little to worry about if it is short-lived and your baby is unlikely to suffer any ill-effects as a result. Because your immune system is affected during pregnancy, you may feel worse than usual.

Any severe or prolonged illness which causes you to be feverish and generally unwell may increase the risk of miscarriage. However, the “baseline” miscarriage rate in the first trimester may be as high as 20 percent, usually due to chromosomal abnormalities.

If your flu does not get better and you begin to cough up green/yellow sputum, experience shortness of breath, persistent chest pain, severe sore throat or a fever of 38 degrees, you should see a doctor. If you are less than 12 weeks pregnant, you should not take medication unless recommended by your doctor.

Source: PREGNANCY TIPS: I Caught The Flu, Is It Bad For My Baby?