I just wondered if anyone knew anything about the effects of the flu shot if I were to get pregnant within 30 days of getting the vaccine. My husband and I are ready to start trying to get pregnant again but when I went in for the flu shot, the form asked if I was planning to get pregnant in the next 30 days. The person administering the shot didn't have a clear answer when I asked why it would be safe for pregnant women but not if I were to get pregnant after the fact. Any thoughts...
When I was trying to get pregnant with my son I had a flu shot. The lady at Target Clinic called her supervisor for me to find out if it would have any effects if I was pregnant at the time and they said it was absolutely safe. A few weeks later I found out I had conceived probably a week before I got the shot and my son had no problems from it.
I think the flu shot is only safe after your first trimester or at least that is what I was told but that was 4 years ago. I dont' know about taking it immediatley prior to becoming pregnant.
Here is a link about the flu shot.
http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/475564.aspx
Also, please feel free to join the BirthoptionsAlliance yahoo group. We are a local group of parents, midwives, doulas, childbirth educators, and other people associated with birth in the MD, DC and Va. area. This forum has had several threads about the effects of the flu shot.
Please feel free to email me if you have any quesitons.
If I were pregnant I'd opt out. I can only give you the info. that I have.
L.
Birthbliss
HypnoBirthing childbirth education and birth doula services in the MD,DC and Northern VA. area.
The flu shot is reccommended for pregnant women who would be in their second or third trimester during flu season. I am six weeks pregnant and had a flu shot two weeks ago at the advice of my fertility nurse and pediatrician's office. Now you should not have the flu mist because it is a live virus, but the flu shot is dead antibodies. The shot takes two weeks to take effect. Even the nurse at CVS, who gave me the shot said the doctors reccommend pregnany women to get the shot because having the flu could be worse for you and the fetus. I had the stomach virus when I was pregnant with my first and it was an awful experience. In the end it is up to you, but it is okay to have the shot. My one friend was given the shot by her OB's office. I don't think they would have given it to her if it was a problem.
I've never heard this.....very interested in what others have to say!
Talk to your OB. I skipped the shot the year I got pregnant, but it's actually reccomended. See if you can get a preservative-free version (they make limited quantities) if that's what you're concerned about. When your baby is born, it is reccomended that everyone get a flu shot if baby is too young to get one (the cocoon effect).
My OBGYN recommends the flu shot no matter what stage in pregnancy you are. It is much safer to get the flu shot than have the possible negative effects of the flu on your fetus. Hope that helps.
J.
Hi C.,
I am in the same situation as yours. So was concerned to know what happened with you and what you would suggest me. Since even we are planning to start a family and i got a flu shot yesterday so do i really have to wait for 30 days before i get pregnant?
Please advise!
Hi, C., Better safe than sorry.........I'd rather have the flu than problems resulting from the shot!
I've had flu shots before, during, and after kids, no problems. I wouldn't worry; it's worse if you get the flu especially since you have a little one already. And flu isn't nothing, people die from it.
