Pros And Cons Of Flu Shot During Pregnancy

## Pros And Cons Of Flu Shot During Pregnancy
Getting the flu shot while pregnant has pros and cons. It’s important to talk to your doctor before deciding whether or not to get the shot.

### Pros:
– Protecting your baby: You can reduce your risk of getting the flu and also prevent passing it to your baby. Your baby might also be less likely to develop complications due to the flu if you get the shot.
– Preventing complications: Getting the flu while pregnant can increase your risk of hospitalization, preterm labor, and other potentially dangerous issues. The shot might help lower the risk of complications from the flu.
– Weight: Getting the full set of recommended vaccinations might help you to reach a healthier pre-pregnancy weight, which can lead to a healthier pregnancy and delivery.

### Cons:
– Allergic reactions: You can be at a higher risk of an allergic reaction if you get the flu shot while pregnant. However, the risk is very small.
– Short-term effects on the baby: The shot can cause a rash, fever, or other mild side effects in babies.

Making the decision whether or not to get the flu shot during pregnancy is a personal one. Talk to your doctor about the potential risks and benefits in relation to your unique health and medical history.

Flu Shots during Pregnancy: Pros and Cons

Pregnancy is associated with several doctor visits, prenatal checkups, lab tests, and immunizations. Every pregnant woman should take all the necessary precautions to ensure that they and their baby are healthy and safe. One of the immunizations recommended during pregnancy is the flu shot, also known as Influenza vaccine. The timing of the flu shot is particularly important during pregnancy to stimulate immunity against the flu in both the mother and the baby.



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Pros of the Flu Shot During Pregnancy

  • Protection to the Baby: During pregnancy, the flu shot offers protection to the baby since it helps pass the antibodies on to the baby.
  • Minimal Side Effects: Generally, the flu shot has fewer side effects as compared to catching the flu and passing it on to the baby in the womb who cannot fight it off.
  • Decreased Risk of Complications: Taking the flu shot during pregnancy can reduce the risk of women of developing respiratory illnesses, ear infections and hospitalizations due to the flu.
  • Protection from Severe Illness: Getting the flu shot during pregnancy can also reduce the risk of complications which can arise as a result of the flu, such as pneumonia.
  • No Interruption to the Baby’s Growth: Taking the flu shot during pregnancy safeguards the baby’s growth, health, and development with no interruption.

Cons of the Flu Shot During Pregnancy

  • Risk of Flu Symptom Irritation: Stuffy nose, sore throat, headaches, and mild fever along with some other symptoms are reported in some pregnant women after the vaccination.
  • Possibility of Allergic Reaction: Although rare, some people can have allergic reactions to the ingredients present in the vaccine.
  • High-Risk Pregnancy Women: Women with a high-risk pregnancy, such as those with multiple fetuses and those with a compromised immune system should be cautious about taking the vaccine.

The best way to find out if is it safe to take the flu shot during pregnancy is to consult with the obstetrician-gynecologist. Being fully informed is the best protection a pregnant mother and her baby can have.

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