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?

Re: black dress. I bought a black maxi maternity dress a couple of months ago - it was from New Look & is unexpectedly flattering! I had lots of compliments on it. It might still be available online (hopefully on sake by now so even cheaper).

I just had my flu jab (25 wks). Flu can be very, very dangerous for both a pregnant woman and her foetus. I was happy with getting the vax even though I am very careful during pregnancy (not a drop of alcohol, etc.).

Don't worry you'll be fine. Google and random people chatting shite on t'tinter web shouldn't trump your MW and consultant.

RE Autism: this is one of the very few conditions thought to have a largely genetic cause. There are much stronger links between having flu inutero prior to 20 weeks and subsequent conditions but that is also fairly rare and heavily debated.

The flu vacine has been recommended by people with access to the latest research and more importantly the knowledge to interpret that research.

Step away from google! The Internet is full of junk and very few diamonds in terms of self diagnosis.

Bartlet, that's a really pretty dress and thanks so much for link! I do envy these pregnant models for looking so pretty and well proportioned in these photos!!! Sadly my dress has to be full length, a nightmare as I hate full length even when not a bit portly! Seen an ok empire lineone in monsoon that was half price so may play safe and stick to that even though I'm not a big fan of empire line. Still that always used to be when I thought it made me look pregnant! Now that I actually am preggo maybe I should embrace the free flowing fabric!

Thanks everyone for reassurance. It really has come to something when I trust a consultant obstetrician less than Random Mary on t'internet...

This is what you should have found when you googled

"Is the preservative used in the vaccine safe in pregnancy?

Thiomersal is used as a preservative in some seasonal influenza vaccines and in Pandemrix to reduce bacterial contamination.
Expert scientific advice is clear that thiomersal-containing vaccines, such as Pandemrix, do not present a risk to pregnant women or their babies.
In 2004, EMEA concluded that the studies showed no association between vaccination with thiomersal containing vaccines and specific neuro-developmental disorders.
Another more recent study has shown no association between neuropsychological functioning at age 7-10 years and exposure to thiomersal during the antenatal and neonatal periods, and the first seven months of life (Thomson et al, 2007)."
www.hpa.org.uk/Topics/InfectiousDiseases/InfectionsAZ/SeasonalInfluenza/InformationForThePublic/influsw15vaccinationandpregnancyFAQ/

Apart from that, are you sure that the vaccine you were given even has thiomersal in it? A lot of them don't.

I saw the thread that you were talking about in your OP, to me it looked like one poster spamming the thread with lots of alarming sounding stuff and links to anti-vaccination websites. The expert response will be as in my quote above.

I had flu when I gave birth. I was in total isolation for days, seriously ill and couldn't even pick my baby up. I think you did the right thing having the vaccination.

I had flu vaccine when pregnant with dd2. Also worried a bit but flu can be seriously dangerous for pregnant women and baby. There's always a risk but you took the lowest risk option.

Here's a lit of vaccine safety web sites meeting credibility and content good information practices criteria according to the WHO. You may find it reassuring than google which will lead you into the crankosphere!

recommended websites

I have never to my knowledge had the flu, I had it as a precautionary measure last time and as said I will this time. DD is happy and healthy so you have nothing to worry about :)

I had the flu jab this time last year when pregnant with DS. I'm still here, and DS is crawling and annoying his big sis as I write this. Chillax!

What about ASOS?

www.asos.com/ASOS-Maternity/ASOS-Maternity-Exclusive-Maxi-Dress-In-Grecian-Drape/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2457783&cid=5813&Rf900=1465&Rf980=3665&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Mauvewood

Now this one would really, really depend on your skin colour. As a pale Scot, there is NO WAY I could carry either of these colours off, but you might be able to and it is only £25:

www.asos.com/ASOS-Maternity/ASOS-Exclusive-Maternity-Maxi-Dress-In-Jersey-With-Grecian-Drape-Detail/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2270373&cid=5813&Rf900=1465&Rf980=3665&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Mint

Reposting with links done properly:

What about ASOS?

www.asos.com/ASOS-Maternity/ASOS-Maternity-Exclusive-Maxi-Dress-In-Grecian-Drape/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2457783&cid=5813&Rf900=1465&Rf980=3665&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Mauvewood

Now this one would really, really depend on your skin colour. As a pale Scot, there is NO WAY I could carry either of these colours off, but you might be able to and it is only £25:

www.asos.com/ASOS-Maternity/ASOS-Exclusive-Maternity-Maxi-Dress-In-Jersey-With-Grecian-Drape-Detail/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2270373&cid=5813&Rf900=1465&Rf980=3665&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Mint