Can having the flu while pregnant harm your baby?

Can having the flu while pregnant harm your baby?

If you have flu while you’re pregnant, it could mean your baby is born prematurely or has a low birthweight, and can even lead to stillbirth or death in the first week of life. Getting the flu vaccine is safe during any stage of pregnancy, from the first few weeks up to your expected due date.

What should I do if I get the flu while pregnant?

What happens if I get the flu while pregnant?

1. Keeping in close contact with your practitioner.
2. Resting a lot.
3. Drinking plenty of fluids to soothe your sore throat and replace what’s lost by fever.
4. Taking the antiviral medication your doctor may prescribe according to his or her instructions.

Can the flu cause miscarriage?

Miscarriage Risk Although cold and flu viruses can certainly make you uncomfortable (especially if you’re pregnant and certain medications are off-limits), they aren’t likely to cause miscarriage.

Can a virus hurt my unborn baby?

Most viruses will not hurt your baby. However, some viruses can cause miscarriage or birth defects in your baby. A virus can affect your respiratory tract (breathing) and can cause other symptoms. The flu and the common cold are examples of viral infections.

Can you miscarry if you get the flu?

Can being sick affect your baby?

A viral infection is a contagious illness. Most viruses will not hurt your baby. However, some viruses can cause miscarriage or birth defects in your baby. A virus can affect your respiratory tract (breathing) and can cause other symptoms.

What happens to fetus if mother gets flu?

Pregnant women who get the flu are at higher risk of hospitalisation and even death. Severe illness during pregnancy can also be dangerous to your developing baby because it increases the chance of significant problems, such as premature labour and delivery.

Can a virus affect my unborn baby?

Should you go to the hospital if you have the flu while pregnant?

If you are pregnant and have any of these signs, call 911 right away: Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen. Persistent dizziness, confusion, inability to arouse.

Should I go to the doctor for the flu while pregnant?

A pregnant woman should see a doctor as soon as possible if they think they have caught the flu. In most cases, a healthcare provider will start the woman on an antiviral medication as soon as possible.

Can Covid cause birth defects?

Any functionally alterations in early embryonic cells by the viral infection may lead to adverse birth defects. With much still unknown about COVID-19 and neurodevelopmental complications, there is an increased risk to develop congenital birth defects, if SARS-CoV-2 infection occurs during early pregnancy.