Your Guide to Pregnancy in a Time of COVID-19 and the Flu

The coronavirus seemed to appear from nowhere, and it quickly made its way across the globe. It affected every aspect of American life—and the lives of those around the world. It also coincided with flu season.

This was a particularly stressful time for pregnant women. 

Although the height of the pandemic appears to be behind us, COVID-19 and the flu are still concerns, especially if you’re pregnant. 

We know that pregnancy can come with its share of challenges, especially during flu season, when viruses like influenza, the common cold,  and COVID are more common. If you have questions or concerns, we’re always here to help. Your health—and your baby’s—is our top priority. That’s why we encourage you to take a proactive approach. We are always available. Please reach out anytime you need guidance or support.

In this article, we’ll take a brief look at what pregnant women need to know about COVID-19 and the flu.

Pregnancy and COVID-19: What You Need to Know

If you’re pregnant, you’re at greater risk of having severe COVID-19—and that risk remains for months after giving birth.

This risk is compounded if you have other conditions such as:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• Lung disease

The CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccines if:

• You are trying to get pregnant
• You are planning to get pregnant
• You’re currently pregnant
• You’re breastfeeding

Being vaccinated could also prevent your newborn from getting COVID-19.

Tips on How to Prevent Getting COVID-19

• If you or someone in your family is showing symptoms, take a COVID-19 test. Make sure your test hasn’t expired. If you or someone in your family has COVID-19, then avoid close contact.
• Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.
• If you use hand sanitizer, please make sure it has at least 60% alcohol.
• Wash your hands after you cough or sneeze into a tissue. 
• Remember to disinfect “high traffic” surfaces like doorknobs, TV remotes and light switches

Pregnancy and the Flu

Flu season returns every year, and getting a flu shot reduces the risk of having the flu. We recommend that all pregnant women have a flu shot during flu season. This is because:

• Flu is likely to be more severe in pregnant women than in their non-pregnant peers.
• Changes in the immune system make pregnant women more susceptible to the flu
• Fever can cause neural tube defects early in pregnancy

What is a Neural Tube Defect?

The neural tube is part of the baby’s developing central nervous system, and therefore, any problems with the neural tube can have devastating effects on the baby’s brain or spinal cord. In many cases, these defects can happen even before you know you’re pregnant.

However, studies show that taking 400 mcg of folic acid every day in your early pregnancy—and when you are trying to get pregnant—lowers the risk of developing neural tube defects.

Two common neural tube defects are spina bifida, where the spinal column hasn’t closed completely and anencephaly, where a large portion of the brain is missing.

What’s Happening During the Flu Season? Check These Sites for Updates!

Not sure how bad the flu season is? Is there a lot of flu activity in your area? The North Carolina Division of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control maintain updated information about the flu season. 

You can access this information by clicking on the following links:

NC Division of Public Health flu updates

Centers for Disease Control “Flu View”

The best way to avoid the flu? Get vaccinated with a flu shot every year.

Chapel Hill OBGYN Is Always Ready to Serve You

COVID-19 and the flu are two diseases that can place pregnant women at risk, and that’s why we urge our patients to take all precautions and be proactive with their health.

We want you to know that we are still available to answer any of your questions. Just contact us for information or to schedule an appointment.