Sunday, October 2, 2011

Pregnancy isn't for sissies

Should I get a flu shot?? I've never gotten one before. But is it important for pregnant women to get one??? I'm going to talk to my OB about it next Monday. I just don't want anything in the flu shot to harm my baby, but then again, I don't want to get the flu and have that somehow harm the baby? What are your thoughts?

Ugh, nausea hit me hard tonight. It's 9pm and I've never had it this late in the day. Boooo. When I went to my appointment with my primary doctor last Tuesday he actually said these words (which made me laugh a little) "Pregnancy isn't for sissies, that's for sure." This is after we had a discussion about miscarriages (he and his wife had a few) and nausea during pregnancy.

Infertility isn't for sissies either. That's for sure.

Thanks for all your advice over the genetic testing. We decided not to do it.

18 comments:

Jenny said...

it's safe and recommended for pregnant women...that being said I've never had a flu shot either...

Jenny said...

oops forgot to add the link to the mayo clinic's information on this.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/influenza/AN00651

Liz said...

I was pregnant last fall (ended in m/c) and I let my OB talk me into the flu shot (I am anti drugs/meds unless needed). The morning after I got the shot I woke up so very sick. I had all flu like symptoms. I called my doctor and she said it was unrelated. The sickness lasted 36hrs. and then was gone as fast as it showed up. I will NEVER get the shot again. Just wanted to share what happened to me.

Ruth said...

I've gotten the flu shot once...maybe twice in my life, only when I happened to be at the doctor anyway and they offered it to me. I've never gone out of my way to get a flu shot. The last time I got the flu was 7 yrs ago, and I've been working with kids/teaching ever since then. But I would still say ask your OB for advice, you definitely don't want to risk anything!

Miranda said...

I've been in and out of the doctor's office and pharmacy for the last few weeks, and there are tons of posters up about the flu shot, and how women that are pregnant are especially supposed to get them. I would definitely check with your OB, but I'm pretty sure you're supposed to do it.

Joys Truly said...

Ask your OB but most recommend if you are pregnant or breast feeding you should get one. Everyone reacts to them differently. I get them every year and have never had any reaction. And because I have had them before if I was pregnant and my OB told me to get one, I would.

Babydreams2011 said...

I never get them and my hubby has to only because he has no spleen due to a wreck when he was younger.. He gets DEATHLY ILL for about 36hrs like PP said and he is down for the count as if he had the flu during that time.. I wouldn't do it, but like someone else said, your Dr will know best, but probably recommend you get it..

Faith said...

I have gotten the flu shot a couple of times, with no issues. BUT, I chose not to get it when pregnant. I DEFINITELY wouldn't get it in my first tri. I actually thought if I got it, it wouldn't be until after the age of viability. And then once that came, I decided to not do it. BUT, the risk is some pregnant women get VERY sick with the flu and it can harm the baby. It's a tough choice. If you ask your OB, s/he will tell you to do it every time. That is the medical profession's opinion. But I have heard too many scary stories. So I stayed away. Good luck, momma. SO many hard decisions! And they keep coming even after baby arrives!

beauty and insanity wrapped into one said...

i never had a flu shot before either, but they said it was a MUST because of my asthma and the baby!! just be sure it was the non-preservative one... and as for the genetic testing, we did it all!!.. hugs!

Amber said...

A flu shot is a completely inactivated virus so it has NO possibility of giving you the flu. I've never heard of anyone having any actual complications from getting it during pregnancy. In fact, it's one of the only things recommended for pregnant women. I get mine every year since I work in the medical field, and definitely did when I was pregnant with Paisley!

A m a n d a said...

Not sure about the flu shot. So many decisions to be made! I love that your doctor said that...very true.

Sorry you've been feeling so sick. Hopefully the 2nd tri will be here before you know it xo

Beeker's Mom said...

I got a flu shot once in my life for the H1N1 because we were trying to get pregnant. I will never ever get one again. Personal choice, though.

ADSchill said...

Just follow your Doc's advice. I heard preggo ladies are supposed to get them though because if you get the flu it can turn into pneumonia. I will be asking my OB on the 13th.

L said...

I think most OBs strongly recommend the flu shot. I got one at my last appointment (towards the middle of the second trimester). My OB said that getting the flu during pregnancy is very dangerous and that when you get the flu shot it can actually protect the baby from getting the flu for a while after birth. I'd definitely ask your OB about it though.

Diana said...

Just wanted to stop by and say a quick hello!! hope you and baby are doing fine =)

ugh I have this dilemma too!! should i or shouldn't i get the flu shot!??! I've torn! But I guess i will wait for my appt on Wed to see what my Dr recommends.

Let me know what you choose!! =)

Mrs. H said...

You're sure right IF isn't for sissies.

Mrs. Pancakes said...

Love your post title! It sure isn't! Yea I don't know about the flu shot...might want to get medical advice

Danielle said...

Hi! I am still so excited for you guys! Hope you are feeling better...either way it is all worth it :-) I did get the flu shots with both kids and was told it was very necessary and safe. Cole actually had the swine flu when I was pregnant and since i was around him I had to get the medicine Tamiflu (sp?) which I was not happy to have to do, it all worked out and as they told me much safer to protect me and the baby then to get the flu. Love reading your posts!

Danielle