Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu Information for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers Pregnant women Breastfeeding mothers Pregnant women If you are pregnant you are at greater risk of complications from the swine flu, and need to be particularly watchful for signs and symptoms of the virus. This is because your immune system (how you protect yourself from infection) is different while a new baby is growing inside you. Your baby inside may also be at increased risk, due your response to infection, such as a high temperature. Practical steps you can take to reduce your chances of exposure to influenza include: washing and drying hands frequently (wash hands with soapy water for 15 seconds and dry with paper towel, or if you cannot do this, use a 65%-70% alcohol-based gel to clean your hands) staying away from people who are sick avoiding crowded places. If you have influenza symptoms you should call your GP or Healthline for advice and remember: Both seasonal influenza and swine flu may make other medical problems worse. Don’t take any antiviral medication without consulting your doctor. Treat any fever right away with paracetamol. Drink plenty of fluids. Your doctor will decide if you need antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu or Relenza. These medicines work best when started soon after symptoms begin (within two days), but they may also be given to very sick or high risk people (including pregnant women) even after 48 hours. While there is limited information about the effect of antiviral drugs in pregnant women or their babies, no serious side effects have been reported. Back to top Breastfeeding mothers Don’t stop breastfeeding if you are ill. This is because breast milk protects babies by passing on antibodies, which help fight off infection. Limit formula feeds if you can. If you are too sick to breastfeed, express milk and have someone give it to your baby. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids. Be careful not to cough or sneeze around your baby. You may want to consider wearing a face mask (note the precautions outlined by the World Health Organisation at www.who.int/en/). You are able to keep breastfeeding while you take medicines such as Tamiflu. Back to top Website feedback We welcome your feedback on this page. Page last updated: 30 July 2009

Related information from the Centers for Disease Control (USA) H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) and Feeding your Baby (www.cdc.gov)