Pregnant women are at increased risk for getting H1N1 flu. There are many reasons why women are more likely to get the flu during pregnancy. Lower Immune System The immune system is the natural defense system that helps protect you from illnesses and diseases. During pregnancy, your immune system isn’t as quick to respond as it was before pregnancy. Part of this is because your body is carrying something that it considers foreign and isn’t normally part of you (in this case, your baby). Usually when this happens, the immune system wants to protect you and will do its best to fight off this foreign object. But, since your body doesn’t want to reject your baby, it naturally lowers the immune system’s ability to defend and respond. But, a lowered immune system means you’re more defenseless against illnesses like the flu. Time Spent Around Small Children Pregnant women often spend much time around little children. And since kids spend so much time with other kids, often get close to one another and are always putting things in their mouths, this makes them perfect carriers of germs and bacteria. These germs can eventually make their way to you. And remember, your immune system during pregnancy isn’t as tough as it is when you’re not pregnant. Body Working Overtime During pregnancy, especially in your second and third trimesters, you need more oxygen than before because you’re supplying it to both you and baby. Your growing belly puts more pressure on your lungs, making them work harder in a smaller space. You may even find yourself feeling some shortness of breath at times. Your heart is working very hard, too! It’s busy supplying blood to you and baby. All of this means your body is stressed during pregnancy. This stress on your body can increase your risk of getting an illness like the flu. For many pregnant women, the illness will be mild. But for some, the H1N1 flu will progress rapidly, and symptoms (such as pneumonia and dehydration) can be serious and even fatal. Some women who have the flu may go into preterm labor. That’s why pregnant women should get the vaccine to protect against the H1N1 flu. If you are pregnant, pay close attention to your body and how you feel. If you have flu-like symptoms: Contact your health care provider right away so that flu medications can be started immediately. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that pregnant women who appear to have the H1N1 flu take an antiviral drug. You must have a prescription from your health provider to get this medication. These medicines work best if they are taken as soon as you have symptoms of the flu. That’s why it’s important that you call your doctor as soon as you notice flu-like symptoms. Treat a high fever right away. During pregnancy, high fever may be especially dangerous to the baby. Acetaminophen appears to be the best way to treat fever during pregnancy. Stay home. Limit contact with other people. Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid drinks that have a lot of sugar. Have someone check on you regularly. If you are pregnant, avoid caring for anyone who has or may have the H1N1 flu if at all possible. The CDC also recommends that pregnant women who have close contact with a person who has or may have the H1N1 flu take an antiviral drug. Infants, Children and H1N1 Flu When children under 1 year of age get the flu, they are usually at high risk for complications, including serious conditions such as pneumonia. Because of the possible risk of complications, infants with the H1N1 flu may benefit from an antiviral drug. If your child becomes ill, talk about this option with your baby’s health care provider. Breastfeeding Women and H1N1 Flu If you are breastfeeding and have signs of the H1N1 flu, talk to your health care provider. If your provider agrees, you can continue breastfeeding while you are ill, even if you are taking an antiviral drug. Mother's milk is made to fight disease. It can help your baby avoid the flu. To reduce the risk to your baby, wash your hands often. You may also want to wear a face mask. According to medical scientists, babies are unlikely to get the H1N1 flu from breastmilk. If you feel too ill to breastfeed, you may pump your milk if you feel up to it.