On this page: Protect your unborn child | Vaccinations: Seasonal and H1N1 | Protect your newborn | What to do if you get sick | Treatment recommendations | Guidance on breastfeeding | Pregnant women at work: Schools and child care workers | Health care workers in direct patient care | When to get emergency medical care

Protect your unborn child

If you are pregnant, you should get vaccinated against H1N1 (swine) flu as soon as the vaccine becomes available this fall. Your vaccination can potentially protect your unborn child from infection. It is recommended that H1N1 vaccination efforts focus on five groups—one of those groups being pregnant women.

• Severe illnesses among pregnant woman and infants have been reported in the current H1N1 outbreak. Severe illness in the mother can be stressful to the fetus.

• Changes to a pregnant woman’s immune system can make her more sensitive to the flu and result in serious complications if she is infected with H1N1.

• A diagnosis of infection in the fetus or infant can be challenging. The effects of the flu on a fetus are also difficult to predict.

Vaccinations: Seasonal and H1N1

There are separate vaccines for seasonal flu and H1N1 flu viruses.  You should get vaccinated against both viruses.

• Pregnant women are one of the priority vaccination groups.
• You should get the seasonal flu shot, but note that it will not protect you against H1N1 flu.
• You should get the H1N1 flu shot, but note that it will not protect you against seasonal flu.
• The H1N1 vaccine should be available to the public in the fall. Get vaccinated as soon as it becomes available.

Protect your newborn

Flu vaccine has not been approved for use in babies under six-months old. However, there are some things you can do to help protect your baby:

• Keep your infant out of crowded areas and away from people who are sick.
• Avoid sharing of toys and other items that have been in infants' mouths.
• Wash thoroughly with soap and water any items that have been in infants' mouths.

What to do if you get sick

Don’t panic. If you have flu-like symptoms, contact your doctor. Doctors are getting guidance on the proper medications and treatment to use with pregnant women that will not harm your baby.

• If you are sick, stay home (except to get medical care) and limit contact with others.
• Treat a fever right away with acetaminophen (Tylenol®). It is the best over-the-counter treatment of fever in pregnancy.
• Drink plenty of fluids to replace those you lose when you are sick.
• If you are not sick but have close contact with someone who has H1N1 flu or is being treated for exposure to H1N1 flu, ask your doctor whether you need treatment with antivirals to reduce your chances of getting the flu.

Treatment recommendations

Doctors have been directed to treat pregnant women with suspected H1N1 virus as soon as possible. Your doctor will decide if treatment with antiviral drugs is needed.

• Antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications.
• Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaled powder) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body.
• Treatment with the antiviral drug oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) or zanamivir (Relenza®) should start within 48 hours after symptoms begin to get the most benefit. Treatment should continue for five days.

Guidance on breastfeeding

Do not stop breastfeeding if you are sick. Mothers who are breastfeeding should continue to nurse their babies while being treated for the flu. Babies who are breastfed do not get as sick as babies who are not breastfed. They are also sick less often from the flu than babies who are not breastfed.

Breastfeeding protects babies. Breast milk passes on antibodies from the mother to a baby. Antibodies help fight off infection.

• If possible, only adults who are not sick should care for infants, including providing feedings.
• If you are too sick to breastfeed, pump and have someone give your milk to your baby.
• Your doctor might ask you to wear a facemask to keep from spreading this new virus to your baby
• Be careful not to cough or sneeze in the baby’s face.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially before handling your baby.

Pregnant women at work: Schools and child care workers

Pregnant women working in school settings (e.g. teachers, day care workers) should follow the same prevention guidance as other school workers and the general public.

• If you have flu-like symptoms, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, except to get medical care.  
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be used if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• f you are well but have a sick family member at home with H1N1 flu, call your doctor for advice. You might need to take antiviral medication to prevent illness.

Health care workers in direct patient care

If you are pregnant, must continue to work, and are in direct contact with H1N1 flu patients:

• Use non-sterile gloves and gowns, plus eye protection.
• After removing gloves, wash hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Wear a fitted respirator or equivalent.

When to get emergency medical care

The flu might progress quickly in pregnant women, and be complicated by bacterial infections, such as pneumonia. If you have any of the following signs, you should seek emergency medical care right away:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath;
• Turning blue;
• Bloody or colored sputum;
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen;
• Sudden dizziness, confusion;
• Severe or persistent vomiting;
• Decreased or no movement of your baby; and/or
• High fever that is not responding to Tylenol® or other acetaminophen.