Getting the flu is pesky and annoying at best. Some people say that having the flu shot whilst pregnant can be harmful to your baby, when in fact just the opposite is true. When you’re expecting, your immune system is doing all sorts of crazy things (as well as your boobs, stomach, hormones ..) and can be weakened. Getting the flu when you’re pregnant can actually be dangerous, so having the shot is highly recommended by doctors. You can get it no matter what trimester you’re in, and there is evidence to suggest that you’ll help protect your baby once it arrives as well – they can’t receive the shot until at least 6 months old. You should also suggest that people close to you, like parents and partners, get the shot as well – I was lucky (if you call swollen ankles through summer lucky) to not be pregnant through winter and escaped any chance of a cold, but here is some info for those preggies mummas who get the best of Winter to grow in!

The risk of not having the shot and getting sick can mean contracting pneumonia, and even going into early labour.

Will it harm the baby?

No. There is no medical evidence that suggest the flu shot will harm your unborn baby.

What kind of flu vaccine should I have?

That being said, you should make sure to have the flu shot, not the fly nasal spray vaccine. The shot contains deceased virus, where the nasal spray contains a weakened, live virus.

Where can I get it?

All GP’s will be able to administer this shot. Always check with them of course, for a medical recommendation before taking action.

Did you get the flu shot when you were pregnant?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American College of Nurse-Midwives, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and many other organizations all strongly recommend a flu shot for pregnant women.