I was sad to read that one of the deaths in the United States from the H1N1 virus or novel influenza A  (Swine Flu), was a young pregnant woman.   cnn It is important to note that the two deaths from this novel virus, occurred with people who had pre-existing medical conditions.  One was a toddler with an autoimmune disease and a congenital heart defect.  The other was a woman who was pregnant.  I bring this up because yes, pregnancy is natural and beautiful, but it is not without risks.

Pregnancy and influenza do not mix.  According to the cdc:  “Evidence that influenza can be more severe in pregnant women comes from observations during previous pandemics and from studies among pregnant women who had seasonal influenza. An excess of influenza-associated excess deaths among pregnant women were reported during the pandemics of 1918–1919 and 1957–1958. Adverse pregnancy outcomes have been reported following previous influenza pandemics, with increased rates of spontaneous abortion and preterm birth reported, especially among women with pneumonia. Case reports and several epidemiologic studies conducted during interpandemic periods also indicate that pregnancy increases the risk for influenza complications for the mother and might increase the risk for adverse perinatal outcomes or delivery complications.”

Preventing transmission of novel influenza A is the same for pregnant women as it is for the general population:  frequent hand washing, avoiding persons with obvious illness,  covering coughs etc.  Basic common sense precautions.  It is recommended that pregnant women receive vaccination for seasonal flu, yet there is no vaccine for this new H1N1 virus.

One special note I would like to make,  breastfeeding is not contraindicated for mom’s with any type of flu.  As a matter of fact it is recommended to provide immunity for the newborn from infection.  According to the CDC there are common sense advise on how to protect your newborn from infection:

Instruct parent and caretakers on how to protect their infant from the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like novel influenza A (H1N1):

• Wash adults’ and infants’ hands frequently with soap and water, especially after infants place their hands in their mouths.
• Keep infants and mothers as close together as possible and encourage early and frequent skin-to-skin contact between mothers and their infants.
• Limit 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.
• Keep pacifiers (including the pacifier ring/handle) and other items out of adults’ or other infants’ mouths prior to giving to the infant.
• Practice cough and sneeze etiquette.

Pregnancy is a normal condition, but it can put the mom at higher risk for certain infectious diseases.  Be aware of what is out there, and how to prevent transmission.

RR