Contacts: Michele Kling, (914) 997-4613,
mkling@marchofdimes.comElizabeth Lynch (914) 997-4286,
elynch@marchofdimes.com
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., MAY 20, 2009 – Information and recommendations on H1N1 flu (formerly known as swine flu) prevention and care for pregnant women, those who are breastfeeding, and babies are available online here from the March of Dimes.
It is not known at this time if this virus will cause pregnant women to have a greater chance of getting sick or have serious problems, or how this virus will affect the fetus and newborn. However, we do know that pregnant women are more susceptible and have more serious problems with seasonal flu. This is thought to be related to physiologic changes in the cardiovascular, respiratory and immune systems that occur during pregnancy. For many pregnant women who get the flu, the illness will be mild. But for some, the illness will progress rapidly, and symptoms will be severe. Complications may include premature labor, premature birth, or severe pneumonia.
What Should Pregnant Women Do?
General advice for pregnant and nursing women on protecting yourself from flu is that same as that for the rest of the population (frequent handwashing, etc.). But for women, who are often the family caregivers, there are some important additional items, the March of Dimes says:
• A pregnant woman should pay extra attention to her body and how she’s feeling when there’s flu in the community. If you develop flu-like symptoms, stay home, limit contact with others, and speak to your doctor or other health care provider right away.
• If you live with or have close contact with someone else who gets H1N1 flu -- or is being treated for exposure to it -- talk to your health care provider right away about testing or treatment to reduce your chances of getting the flu.
• Make a plan for someone else to care for sick family members.
• Stock up now on household, health, and emergency supplies, such as water, Tylenol, and non-perishable foods.
How Are Pregnant Women Treated for Flu?
If you’re pregnant and develop a fever, treat it right away with Tylenol (acetaminophen), because prolonged high fever can place the fetus at risk for birth defects and preterm birth. Prescription antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu (oseltamivir) or Relenza (zanamivir) also can be used for pregnant women. Ideally, treatment should be started within 48 hours of symptom onset.
Is it OK to Breastfeed When You’re Sick?
Yes, it’s still OK to breastfeed and you shouldn’t stop breastfeeding even if you become ill or are being treated for the flu, the March of Dimes says. Breastfeeding passes antibodies from the mother to the baby that help to fight off infection -- this is important in infants when their immune system is still developing. Babies who are breastfed do not become as ill, and are sick less often from the flu, than babies who are not breastfed. Be careful not to cough or sneeze in the baby’s face, and wash your hands often with soap and water. Your health care provider might suggest that you wear a mask to avoid spreading the virus to your baby.
If you feel too sick to breastfeed, you can pump and have someone else give the expressed milk to the baby.
For more information, visit the Web page on H1N1 flu of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies®, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.
