With the swine flu which now hold the potential of a global pandemic, there may be no longer worried about getting sick that women who are pregnant.
This is particularly true for those of you who have over 35 may already be struggling with fertility problems – or perhaps undergo treatment Fertility now.
The good news is that pregnancy does not necessarily increase your risk of contracting swine influenza – or any other type influenza. However, it is important to note that if you get the flu while you are pregnant, studies show that you are up to five times more likely to suffer serious complications – such as pneumonia. And it is often where the most fatalities from avian lie.
In terms of risk for your baby, the gravest threat of diseases such as influenza produce high fevers in mothers during pregnancy. The temperature of the body supported more of 101 degrees, and in particular more than 102 degrees may increase the risk of miscarriage and lead to an increased risk of neural tube defects in babies – Which include life-threatening malformations of the brain and spine.
The good news is that there are things you can do to prevent these problems, even if you catch the flu.
The first is to control your fever.The March of Dimes recommends for acetaminophen (Tylenol), but talk to your doctor to make sure it goes well for you. You should also try to keep your body as fresh as possible with compresses cold, and drink plenty of fluids. Pregnancy is no time to "Sweat Out" fever.
Second is to continue to take your prenatal vitamins – especially 1000 mcg of folic acid. Studies at the National Center on Birth Defects and Disabilities intellectual in England, found that women who took a multi vitamin high in folic acid during pregnancy reduces the risk of their baby defects birth, even if they ran a fever during pregnancy.
In terms of these two drugs used to treat swine flu – Tamiflu and Relenza – Like other drugs against influenza, they are classified by the FDA in category "C" drug – which means they were not tested for use during pregnancy. However, it is important to note that there has been no incidence of birth defects or other problems serious health related to the use of these drugs in pregnant women who used them.
So, if symptoms are severe, Your doctor will suggest a course of either drug, and if that is the case, experts say do not be shy.
Finally, relax and do worry! In that time, stress and anxiety of worrying about getting sick is likely to cause you more harm than the risk of being actually influenza, which here is still quite low.
For more information on the pig flu and pregnancy, and some important details on what to do if you enter the swine flu while undergoing fertility treatments, see this Article on GettingPregnantNow.org.
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About the Author:
Colette Bouchez is an award-winning health journalist with over 2 decades of experience including content producer at WebMD and senior medical reporter at the New York Daily News. As a Healthy Lifestyle Expert she is the author of 8 books on women’s health and wellness and the director of 3 prominent womens wellness websites including YourMenopause.com, PamperingMom.com, TheVzone.net, and GettingPregnantNow.org.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Special Alert: Swine Flu, Pregnancy & Fertility