Information for pregnant women

Page contents: Should I avoid travelling interstate or overseas while pregnant? | What if I am pregnant and I get flu-like symptoms? | How is Human Swine Flu treated in pregnancy? | Is antiviral medication safe for pregnant women? | Should I stop breastfeeding if I think I have flu? | Is it safe to breastfeed if I am sick with flu? | Can I take antiviral medication while breastfeeding? | Is it OK to breastfeed if my baby is sick?

Pregnancy and flu

Flu in pregnant women is usually a mild to moderate illness. The symptoms are similar for both seasonal flu and human swine flu.

Pregnant women are not more at risk of catching human swine flu compared to the general population. However during pregnancy there is an increased risk of complications from any type of flu, especially in the third trimester.

Protect yourself. Protect others.

We all have a role to play, to protect ourselves and others from flu.

Be immunised

Pregnant women are more vulnerable to health complications from swine flu and are encouraged to get the free swine flu vaccine. For more information visit the vaccine program section.

Good hygiene remains vital

Good health hygiene can reduce the chance you will get the flu or pass it on to others.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Throw the tissue in a plastic-lined rubbish bin after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

You should ask people with flu-like symptoms to keep away from you. You may also choose to avoid large, crowded gatherings during the flu season to reduce your risk of catching the virus.

Otherwise you can do things you normally do. You do not need to wear a mask to avoid the flu.

Should I avoid travelling interstate or overseas while pregnant?

Travelling in crowds at airports will mean close contact with many people, some of whom may have respiratory viruses, including seasonal flu and human swine flu.
If you decide to travel, you should practise good hygiene. If you become unwell while overseas or interstate, you should seek medical attention immediately.

What if I am pregnant and I get flu-like symptoms?

Contact your doctor right away. If your doctor thinks you have flu, antiviral medicine can help stop you getting very sick. Flu can be bad for both you and your baby, so it’s important to see your doctor early

Take paracetamol to reduce the fever. The recommended dose is two x 500mg tablets every four to six hours, but no more than eight in a 24 hour period
Drink plenty of fluids.

If you have any of the following symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately:

Difficulty breathing
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness
A high fever (greater than 38°C)
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting
Stomach pains, cramps or vaginal bleeding
Decreased or no movement of your baby.

How is Human Swine Flu treated in pregnancy?

Your doctor will discuss the benefits and risks of taking antiviral medication while you are pregnant. This decision is based on factors such as whether you have any other medical conditions

Antiviral medication is most important for women in the second or third trimesters because that’s when pregnant women get the sickest.

Is antiviral medication safe for pregnant women?

The drugs have only been around for a few years, so there is not a lot of information on their effect in pregnancy. They have been used by many pregnant women, especially in the second and third trimesters, and have not been found to harm mothers or their babies.

Having flu can be bad for the mother and unborn baby; antiviral medication will reduce the duration and severity of the illness, and the risk to your pregnancy.

Breastfeeding and flu

Should I stop breastfeeding if I think I have flu?

No, mothers make antibodies to fight diseases they come in contact with, so their milk is custom-made to fight the diseases their babies are exposed to as well. This is really important in young babies when their immune system is still developing. Ideally babies less than about 6 months of age should be fully breastfed.

Breastfeeding helps the baby to develop their own ability to fight off diseases. If you are too sick to breastfeed, express if possible and have someone else give the expressed milk to your baby.

If you need information and support regarding expressing breast milk you can get help from your midwife, your child and family health nurse or the Australian Breastfeeding Association.

Is it safe to breastfeed if I am sick with flu?

Whether you have normal seasonal flu or human swine flu, you can continue to breastfeed your baby.

If your doctor thinks you have the flu, here are some suggestions to keep your baby as safe as possible from infection, while you are infectious:

if your baby is under 3 months of age, ask your doctor about antiviral medication to reduce the chance you will pass the infection on to your baby (this takes about 3 days of treatment)
sleep at least 1 metre apart from your baby and in separate beds (it is ok to sleep in the same room as your baby)
wear a surgical mask when breastfeeding, bathing, caring for, cuddling, or whenever you are within 1 metre of your baby
wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your baby
try not to cough or sneeze near your baby
ask anyone else who cares for your baby to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your baby and to not cough or sneeze near your baby.

Can I take antiviral medication while breastfeeding?

It is recommended that a breastfeeding woman takes antiviral medicine if she has the flu and her baby is aged less than 3 months (a younger baby has a less well-developed immune system, and is less able to fight infection).

If your baby is older, discuss with your doctor whether the medicine is necessary for you.

Is it OK to breastfeed if my baby is sick?

Yes, one of the best things you can do for your baby when they are sick is to keep breastfeeding. Breast milk helps to develop your baby's immune system.

Give your sick baby extra breastfeeds if you can. Babies who are sick need more fluids than when they are well. You might need to rest a little more and ensure that you look after yourself by eating well and drinking enough fluids.

If your baby is too sick to breastfeed, ask your doctor, midwife, child and family health nurse or the Australian Breastfeeding Association for advice about how to keep giving your baby breast milk safely.

Consult your doctor if your baby is having trouble feeding.

top of page

Downloads

Information for pregnant women (52kb, pdf)