The H1N1 Swine Flu and Pregnancy

It has been established by those that work on special medical teams that the H1N1 swine flu could have a detrimental effect on those women who are pregnant when they acquire the condition. This is especially true if the condition affects a woman that is pregnant that has another medical condition.

There have been many cases where a pregnant female has acquired the H1N1 swine flu and it resulted in serious health consequences such as pneumonia. Unfortunately, the actual effects of this condition have not been established as far as a growing embryo is concerned. This is because of the fact that the virus is new and there has not been enough time to research the effects on the child that was born to a mother that had the H1N1 swine flu.

Emergency Symptoms in Pregnant Women

It has been established that the H1N1 swine flu is extremely contagious. Medical professionals have established that there are certain symptoms that are considered to be emergencies among women that are pregnant. The following outlines symptoms that should be taken seriously by women who are expecting and are experiencing the influenza: 

• Many women may discover that they experience complications in breathing appropriately. It may feel as if they are short on breath.  

• If the mental status changes and the woman feels confused or experiences other cognitive changes that are unusual, there could be a medical emergency occurring.  

• If there is pressure on the chest or felt in the abdomen area, medical attention should be pursued. This is especially so if the pressure also results in pain. 

• If a female experiences dizziness that is very sudden, it could indicate a medical emergency.  

• Vomiting that is considered to be persistent and quite severe is a warning sign that a medical emergency may be being experienced.  

Prevention Strategies 

If you are pregnant, or plan on becoming pregnant, it is important to take the proper prevention steps so that you do not become infected with the H1N1 swine flu. One of the most productive moves that you can make is getting the standard flu shot. In addition to this, you should also acquire the H1N1 flu shot. In addition to getting these shots, you may take the following measures to prevent acquiring the 2009 H1N1 flu: 

• First, you should ensure that you wash your hands in warm water and soap on a consistent basis. If you find that you are in a situation where you are unable to perform this step, you should wipe the hands with a hand sanitizer that contains alcohol as this will kill the germs associated with the H1N1 flu and other types of seasonal viruses.  

• If you know that someone is sick and are unsure as to whether or not the condition is contagious, you should avoid coming in close proximity with them.  

• It is important to cover your mouth if you must cough with the sleeve of your shirt or some type of tissue. If you must sneeze, cover your nose as well.  

• If you touch something that someone else could have had contact with, it is important to ensure that you avoid touching areas of your face such as your mouth, your eyes, and even your nose. If your hands have the germs associated with the H1N1 swine flu on them, you could develop the illness.  

For more information pertaining to the H1N1 swine flu and side effects that it has on pregnancy, be certain to consult your health care professional.