由 home-healthhaven 
When you’re pregnant, your top priority is keeping yourself and your baby healthy and happy. But when flu season hits, it can be tricky to figure out the best way to do that. Pregnancy weakens your immune system because your body is focusing on growing the baby, which puts you at a higher risk for flu symptoms. Naturally, many soon-to-be moms wonder if it’s safe to get a flu shot during this time.
**The Benefits**
Pregnant women aren’t just more likely to catch the flu, they’re also more prone to having severe symptoms. This puts both mom and baby at risk. Complications like pneumonia could arise for the mother, while the baby might face stunted growth or underdeveloped lungs.
Getting the flu vaccine can help prevent the flu in pregnant women and protect their babies. Research has shown that babies of mothers who didn’t get the flu shot are twice as likely to catch the flu in their first year compared to those whose mothers did get vaccinated.
**The Concerns**
A major worry about the flu vaccine is its preservative, thimerosal, which is nearly 50% mercury. After all, we’ve seen many countries ban mercury thermometers due to the health risks associated with mercury.
Some studies have linked thimerosal-containing vaccines to serious conditions like spina bifida and anencephaly. Others have suggested a possible connection to autism and other developmental issues. However, the research is mixed and inconsistent, leaving no concrete evidence to definitively tie the flu vaccine to these health problems in infants.
**Making a Choice**
Ultimately, whether or not to get the flu shot is a personal decision for each mother. Despite the concerns, health experts generally agree that the benefits of getting vaccinated greatly outweigh the risks. In fact, health officials strongly advise all pregnant women to get the flu shot as flu season, spanning from October to March, approaches.
Flu shots are available at doctors’ offices and some pharmacies, where pregnant women are often prioritized. However, if you have a history of egg allergies or are currently feeling unwell, consult your doctor first to make sure it’s safe for you to get the vaccine.