to be in a sudden panic that I should have researched more before trotting off to get flu jab at 16w pregnant?

[emeraldgirl1]

I was strongly, strongly advised by MW and obstetrician to have the jab.

So off I have duly trotted (I am very good at obeying instructions) and had the flu jab this very morning.

Only to come back, lurk on MN for a bit, and see all kinds of terrifying queries/statements about the jab - mercury levels etc.

I know I am probably being a bit PFB about this but I am now genuinely getting terribly upset that I should have thought about this more. :(

DH is hearing-impaired so we already know there is a chance baby will be too; if I let myself I can get terribly anxious about other problems occurring, particularly (my biggest terror) with sight.

Am I just being crazy? Should I step away from Google this very minute? I thought I was doing the right thing but now am kicking myself for doing it. I am generally well and practice extra-good hygiene in flu season so was I silly to think I needed the jab?

I think you did the right thing by having it, I had the flu jag in pregnancy and DD is fine and some types of flu can be particularly dangerous for unborn babies and pregnant women. Step away from Dr Google, pregnancy is an anxious time so don't give yourself more to worry about.

Step away from Google!

Whats done is done, and its extremely unlikely that your baby will have any ill effects from it.

As I natural born worrier myself, I know how you feel, but getting in a state now wont help :)

Thanks Lily - I just had the MW's words about seeing pg women fighting pneumonia rushing around in my head and thought I should just do as she said and lower the risk. I never even considered anything like mercury etc.

Thank you Smeghead
Google is evil, but horribly addictive.
Will try to stop worrying. I do recognise that it is counter productive.

Unborn babies are definitely more at risk, as are their mothers from the flu than they are from the vaccine. So relax you have done the right thing x

Definitely the right thing to have had it. Flu could be harmful and is common, you are more vulnerable than usual.

Oh, dear, I have only just noticed (as I was shutting Google down) that there may be thought to be a link between autism and mercury in flu vaccine!! I had no idea about this. I would have re-checked with MW if I had known :(

I have gone from niggling anxiety to being sick with worry now. I am normally rational but I can't believe I did something so stupid without thinking it through further. Are these just scare stories???? What have I done??

Never google or look for medical advice online.

You only hear horror story because like people complain when things go wrong but if it all goes fine nothing is said by them, bit like customer service

I attended a course run by the Autism tutor at our universitiy. He said that there is a link between mothers getting flu at 20 weeks and their children having schizophrenia. Plus I was pregnant during the bird flu scare when women were more susceptible. You did a good thing.

you probably have more to worry about with any fillings you have than with mercury in your vaccination.

You are definitely right to have had it done.

Pregnant women and their babies are more at risk of death from flu.

I am 20 weeks and had it done this week at work.

The (American) CDC have produced a page on it confirming that it is safe:

www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/thimerosal.htm

You've done the right thing. I had flu jab when pregnant with my perfect little dd - stop worrying!

Is thimerosal in vaccines linked to autism?
Numerous studies have found no association between thimerosal exposure and autism. CDC places a high priority on vaccine safety, surveillance, and research. CDC is aware that the presence of the preservative thimerosal in vaccines and allegations of a relationship to autism have raised public concerns. These concerns have made decisions surrounding vaccinations confusing and difficult for some people. Since 2001, no new vaccine licensed by FDA for use in children has contained thimerosal as a preservative and all vaccines routinely recommended by CDC for children younger than 6 years of age have been thimerosal-free, or contain only trace amounts of thimerosal, except for some formulations of influenza vaccine. Unfortunately, reductions in the numbers of children identified with autism have not been observed indicating that the cause of autism is not related to a single exposure such as thimerosal.

The federal government is committed to ensuring the safety of vaccines. This is achieved by FDA oversight of rigorous pre-licensure trials and post-licensure monitoring by CDC and FDA. This commitment stems from scientific, medical and personal dedication.

Babylon thank you... I don't have any fillings as it happens... my cousin's son has autism so now I am working myself up and think I should have taken the flu risk rather than (however unquantifiable) the mercury one :(

Thanks Bartlet and everyone.

Why I am being this neurotic?????

Bartlet do we use the same vaccines (roughly) here as in USA?

"Why I am being this neurotic?????"

Because you are pregnant and it does funny things to your brain. Now step away from Google and it will all be fine!

(not a passive agressive one, a genuine one!)

Just Googled the vaccine I had on Tuesday and it looks like it is the same that Sanofi are selling in both the UK and US.

Thanks v v much Bartlet that is really nice of you.
I had mine done at Boots (even though would have got it free at GP) because GP only offered rubbish and impossible-to-attend clinic times and wouldn't book for an appointment. I am assuming that Boots use a standard vaccine!! [displaying oddly fervent trust in Boots the Chemist despite fact they never have enough staff on duty and keep filling my inbox with junk mail about my advantage card!]

I had one with DD and fully intend to get one done this time round as well.

Thank you Secret cervix.
Did you manage to totally avoid flu when pg?

emerald I spent my pregnancy avoiding nuts and pasturised mayonnaise and tuna fish in a tin too often and too much tea and any number of other things.

You are trying to build the best environment you can for littleemerald. That's why you're panicking. You're allowed to. Much better that that go for the devil may care and do drugs / drink excessively model of pregnancy.

you've had the vaccination, you can't unhave it, so just walk away and find something else to concentrate on - are you any good at flat pack furniture?

Babylon - I think if I started to assemble flat pack furniture my DH would die from the shock. Probably not a great move in that regard

OTOH I do need to track down a flattering, non-hideous long black dress to wear to a pointless posh do my parents are insisting we join them at in a few weeks time... black tie dresses are never exactly my speciality and certainly not with a bump to cater for, so maybe I can pour my energies into finding a cheapo black maxi dress online instead!!

You did the right thing. I had the flu vaccine when pregnant and DS is perfect () and hitting all his milestones on time. It's natural to worry about things like this when pregnant (I know I did....incessantly!) but you and bubs will be fine!

Does it need to be black or is the dress code black tie?

What about this?

www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk/sp+midnight-blue-beaded-maternity-dress-in-dresses+B4596

JMB does have the risk of looking a bit frumpy depending on how short you are, but I got a nice dress from there for a black tie event last Christmas when I was pregnant with DD.