Hi,
Been a while since I've been on. Sorry. Just been really tired and queasy and have had a lot on my plate recently - short staffed at work, family birthdays, family in hospital... All a bit mad. Anyway. Time for a catch-up.
Addie - no, I don't intend to have the swine flu vaccine. Basic reasoning is that they say that millions of people have already had it but it was only brought into the UK in August, wasn't it? Well, in that case, women vaccinated during the first trimester haven't even had their babies yet, so HOW can they know it's safe? And even then, if they had had seemingly healthy babies, they don't know the long-term effects. I.e. what happens when those babies are five, ten, fifty, even?
Anyway, aside from all that, say I did trust them... The NHS itself states that if you do get swine flu in pregnancy, "your immune system still functions and the risk of complications is very small. Most pregnant women will only have mild symptoms." Also, "Most pregnant women will have only mild symptoms and recover within a week." It does state that "there is evidence from previous flu pandemics that pregnant women are more likely to develop complications." (Just an observation, but that evidence isn't specific to Swine Flu...) By "complications", they mean "pneumonia/dificulty in breathing/dehydration". I've already been badly dehydrated during the course of this pregnancy, and was told it's very common, as a result of severe morning sickness. The treatment was straighttforward enough (I was put on a drip) so to be honest, that one wouldn't really concern me too much. And as for the other two, (quoting the NHS again) "these are more likely to happen in the second and third trimester". (So why are they recommending the vaccine during the first trimester? I don't get it.) Then they go on to say; "If a pregnant woman develops a complication of swine flu, such as pneumonia, there is a small chance this will lead to premature labour or miscarriage." (SMALL chance.) And, finally, "There is not yet enough information to know precisely how likely these birth risks are."
It's up to each and every person to make their own mind up, but personally, I've found nothing to convince me yet that it's a good idea. I spoke to my own midwife about it, and she said that while they're saying it's safe at any stage of pregnancy, the further into pregnancy, the safer it'll be. She also pointed out that even if I decided against the vaccine now, I'd be welcome to change my mind at any point at all. (I.e. if I want to wait till 12wks, that's fine.) And then the other thing I thought is that we'll soon be leaving winter behind us, which is also bound to reduce the risk. Oh, and nobody has made any suggestion at all (as far as I can see) that the current strain of Swine Flu is any worse than normal flu. Who's panicking about that? I just don't get it...
As I say though, each to their own! I'll make you sorry you asked though! Lol!
Hobnob - SUCH a relief that all was well! What a frightnening time. But great to get the scan, eh? Have you told anyone else now? My DH seemed to think that after our 6+5 scan, we'd tell everyone... Think I initially said I wanted to wait till after the first scan. Should really have phrased it better and said I wanted to wait till 12wks! Lol!
How's the sickness now?
Worrisome - sorry to hear about your SIL. How awful! But glad to hear you and the bean are doing okay and things are getting better. x
Chance - I totally know what you mean about wanting that peace of mind. Is your appointment on Thursday?
Pixie - wonderful news about your scan. I know what you mean about going backwards though - I went from 7+1 to 6+5. That meant I was in week 7 instead of week 8! Rotten! Still. All's well and that's the main thing. And according to my midwife, they go by the 12wk scan anywway for an EDD, cause at around 6wks, it's more difficult to be accurate.
Madame - good news about your scan too. Not so good about how you feel. I'm the same though. Wish the next few weeks would just fly by so we could get back to normal. Can't believe I took it all for granted before!
Ozzie - great about your scan too (lots of scans over the past few days!) Really looking forward to seeing your picture.
Chance - I haven't even read the free book the midwife gave me. Been far too sick and tired! Hopefully in a few weeks I'll be asking you for recommendations!
Desperate - exciting times indeed! I can't wait to get a bump and stop looking fat! Lol!
November - how frustrating not having a scan date... I got mine through about 6wks early... Wonder what's up with the delay?
Emma - good to hear from you and that things are going well. What a lovely name! I can't wait to find out what I'm having.