swine flue jab..do i or dont i?? !!

[mumt1]

Ok I'm so confused! I thought the injection against swine flu was really safe? But starting to think its not. Esepcially to pregnant women? I haven't gt an amazing immune system as it is! And I had a cold a month ago which seemed to last long time after my 2 year old fought it off! I'm 16 weeks and just wondering if I should have it? I am scared of the side effects which can happen. But then again the swine flu is dying down anyway...isn't it? I'm so confused! I have always said I'll get it but now I've booked it for 2 days time I'm not so sure about it and the risk

Hi don't know much about the other side of the argument to not have it but a young lady locally died of flu last year, her baby lived. It was such a sad story it spurred me on to ensure I got mine :(

I found the jab virtually painless, BTW - bit of a stiff arm for a day or so but completely fine. Am hoping getting a giant baby out of my fanjo will be similarly straightforward .

I had it last year at 20 weeks, no side effects. I had it after reading the headlines of pregnant women on itu with swineflu across the country. A woman in the next town to me (also 20 weeks) died that week. Then hubby got the flu, and was in bed for a few days (he's never ill) so I got freaked and had it.
Medical staff all recommend that you have it. Good luck!

Hi I have been wondering the same thing- does anyone know is it just for second trimester or more? Doctor and midwife haven't mentioned it but I am only nine weeks so maybe best to wait?

Used2bthin - I think it's advised throughout pregnancy but why not check with your midwife? I would have thought it was especially crucial in first trimester though, as think your immunity is lowest then?

Oh yes that is a point. Thanks I saw her only today should have asked. But yes will do. Just worried about miscarriage but not read up on it at all so maybe that is not a factor.

usedtobethin my midwife never mentioned it to be, so I asked her today n I had to book it with nurse thru gp receptionist

Ok thanks I will ask about me having one when I book DD's. I am surprised midwives are not being asked to mention it to people though. Our GP surgery poster says pregnant women are at risk from flu but a radio ad I heard doesn't mention us, wonder why?

I would imagine that the risks of getting flu far outweigh the risk of the jab (which I understand not to carry a risk anyway as it's not a live vaccine) at any stage of pregnancy. But I'm not a doctor, I'm sure someone who knows more will be along to correct me if I'm wrong!

Thanks yes I am sure that makes sense too. I bet by the time I get an appointment I will be in my second trimester anyway!

at used2bthin. My GP does a special surgery for flu jabs - I assumed I'd have to wait for hours (you can't book, you just turn up) but was only maybe a ten min wait and then only took a few seconds. Good luck!

Thanks I will get it doen with dd then, she will like me getting it too!

As every poster has mentioned, please do have it whatever stage you are at... I had mine the day the vaccine was available (just fluke though) as had made my mind up well in advance. There were some really sad stories last year broke my heart and I wasn't planning on taking no for an answer (I was told not to bother with my first but think that when I asked (probably early Dec), they'd run out... turned out the nurse booked me right in and boy was I glad!!

Slightly sore arm but that was it - and just feel so much better!