Research looks at the dangers of the flu for pregnant women and babies

(CLEVELAND CLINIC) – According to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu is more likely to make a pregnant woman seriously ill.

Today, a recent study examines the possible effects of influenza during pregnancy on the newborn.

The study examined data relating to more than 3,000 pregnant women – some with flu while they were pregnant and some not.

The researchers found that women who had contracted H1N1 flu and who had been admitted to an intensive care unit were more likely to give birth to low weight premature newborns and whose birth badessment was less effective than pregnant women who had never had the flu.

"One of the things that happens during pregnancy is the removal of the mother's immune system, which predisposes pregnant women to get sick of common things like the flu," said Cleveland Clinic's Jeffrey Chapa, MD, who did not participate in the research. . "And for women who contract the flu, the consequences for the baby are actually worse than for those who have caught the flu, but have not become very ill or have not contracted it at all."

Dr. Chapa said this study adds to previous research that showed how influenza can be dangerous for both mother and baby and why a flu shot was so important during pregnancy.

He added that some women feared being vaccinated against the flu, fearing that this would harm their baby, but there is no evidence that a flu shot could harm a baby.

Dr. Chapa said the biggest risk for the mother and the baby is not getting vaccinated for protection against the flu.

"This study shows that influenza vaccine can not only help prevent adverse consequences for the mother, but that it can also prevent adverse consequences for the baby and that pregnant women should be more at ease with the vaccine. "