As the air cools (wait, scratch that \u2014 this is Florida, after all) and flu season approaches, many expectant mamas may find themselves wondering, Is the flu shot really necessary during pregnancy? There\u2019s already so much to deal with, from fetal monitoring to the dreaded (but important!) glucose test. Honestly, it all matters, and there\u2019s good reason for these tests and doctor visits, including getting the flu vaccine. In fact, it\u2019s one of the most important steps you can take to protect both yourself and your baby.<\/p>\n
An average flu season runs from October through May, but those who are pregnant (and in any trimester) should get the flu shot as soon as it is available \u2014 ideally before the flu season actually even starts. But if you miss that window, it\u2019s not too late. You can still benefit from the vaccine anytime when the flu is most prevalent. While it\u2019s true that there are many different flu viruses (and yes, they are always changing), each year a new vaccine is made to product against those specific viruses that are most likely to make people sick during the fall, winter, and spring months.<\/p>\n
Real talk: It typically takes about two weeks for the flu shot to become fully effective, so the sooner you receive it, the better prepared you will be. And because pregnancy naturally changes your body\u2019s immune system, heart, and lungs (hello, growing baby!), it can make you even more vulnerable to complications and severe illness<\/a> if you come down with the flu.<\/p>\n The influenza virus (aka the flu) is more than just a pesky runny nose and sore throat. The flu can make you very sick, even more so if you get it during or right after pregnancy. While pregnant, your body works hard to support your growing baby, which typically means that your immune system doesn\u2019t work quite the same way it normally does. This makes it harder to fight off infections, including the flu. Expectant mothers are more likely to experience serious complications from the flu, including:<\/p>\n The flu vaccine is safe and effective during any trimester of pregnancy \u2014 and it does more than just protect you. About two weeks after getting vaccinated, your body produces crucial antibodies that cross over into the placenta and help protect your baby from the flu for the first several months after birth. Because infants under the age of 6 months are too young to receive the flu shot themselves, this is an incredible and easy way to give your little one that early added layer of protection.<\/p>\nWhy Expectant Mamas Are at Higher Risk<\/h4>\n
\n
The Flu Shot Benefits You and Your Baby<\/h4>\n