Once a woman becomes pregnant her outlook on life changes completely. She takes much better care of herself and avoids situations in which she may put herself or her unborn child in jeopardy.
So it stands to reason why so many women are wary of the swine flu: Between 15 April 2009 and 16 June 2009, 6 pregnant women have died in America after contracting the swine flu. This equals out to be about 13% of estimated 45 swine flu deaths that have been reported to the CDC.
Pregnant women are more susceptible to diseases because of their comprised immune systems.
The Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Yale–New Haven Hospital, Charles Lockwood, MD, explains:
“Pregnant women tend to be sicker when they have the flu, partly because of changes in the immune system, partly because the physiological stress of normal pregnancy pushes their heart and lungs to work harder, and partly because their lung blood vessels tend to be a bit ‘leaky’ anyway.”
Another factor is that during the third trimester, pregnant women have a diminished lung capacity due to their growing babies. This can cause simple respiratory ailments to become more hazardous. According to a report that was published in the medical journal, The Lancet, by the CDC, the most common flu symptom amongst pregnant women is a “shortness of breath.”
However, do the pros of receiving the Swine Flu vaccine really outweigh the cons?
The package insert for the swine flu vaccine states that the safety of the vaccine has not been proven in pregnant women. There simply have not been enough studies conducted to truly determine whether or not the vaccine is safe for pregnant women and their unborn children. In fact, reports of pregnant women suffering a miscarriage after receiving the swine flu vaccine is steadily increasing.
Furthermore, no reproduction studies have been carried out to determine whether or not any of the flu vaccines actually affect a person’s future fertility or whether they affect a developing fetus in any way.
The swine flu vaccine is comprised of quite a few harmful chemicals, including: mercury, formaldehyde, polysorbate 80 (which is linked to infertility), triton X100 (a very strong detergent), phenoxyethanol (which is simply antifreeze). If your doctor insists that you have the vaccine, ask him to read the ingredients to you and have him explain how they are beneficial. Feel free to ask your doctor or other health care professional as many questions as possible regarding the swine flu vaccine.
Once you’ve had the swine flu injected and something goes wrong, you will have no recourse whatsoever, because of a bill that has been signed by Congress granting the medical companies immunity.
With the flu season upon us, make sure to wash your hands very carefully and more often as well. Limit your exposure to public places as best as you can and do your own research regarding other, more natural ways to prevent and fight flu. There are also quite a few immunity building vitamin and minerals that you can safely take as well that may aid in preventing the flu such as vitamin C, D, E, A, Zinc and probitotics.
References:
1. Kain, E. (2009, September 8). A Pregnant Woman’s Guide to Swine Flu. Retrieved December 7, 2009, from Health.com: living.health.com/2009/08/27/pregnant-womans-guide-h1n1/
2. Mercola, D. (2009, November 28). Swine Flu Alert — Shocking Vaccine Miscarriage Horror Stories . Retrieved December 7, 2009, from Mercola.com: articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/11/28/Shocking-Swine-Flu-Vaccine-Miscarriage-Stories.aspx
3. Shocking H1N1 Swine Flu Vaccine Miscarriage Stories From Pregnant Women – Tell Your Doctors That Vaccines And Pregnancy Do Not Mix! (2009, November 11). Retrieved December 7, 2009, from Organic Health: organichealthadviser.com/archives/shocking-h1n1-swine-flu-vaccine-miscarriage-stores-from-pregnant-women-tell-your-doctors-that-vaccines-and-pregnancy-do-not-mix
2. Warner, J. (2009, October 27). Pregnant Women Wary of Swine Flu Shot. Retrieved December 7, 2009, from Medicine Net.com: medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=106976M
Update 2014 – We are back! We have been away for a while and we sure have missed all of your wonderful questions and thoughts on our articles. Moving forward, one of our staff herbalists will be here to respond to comments! We look forward to connecting with our readers once again!
Hello Dalene,
I am a big fan of Natural Fertility and in my preconception countdown, am very keen on finding out what you and Hethir think of the need for the MMR vaccine for women planning to get pregnant. I am aware of the controversy (autism link etc.) surrounding the MMR vaccine, but at the same time, I do not want to risk getting infected with mumps or rubella (I was vaccinated for rubella 30 years ago and now find out that immunity can wear off and never had mumps) while pregnant (how can you possibly avoid contact with possibly infectious individuals anyway???).
I would really appreciate your opinions before making up my mind on whether or not to get vaccinated.
Thanks,
Esra
Hi Esra,
I am sorry it has taken me so long to reply to this, I have been mulling it over in my head. Honestly I am not going to say either way as the choice is really something that is going to come from doing your own research and talking to your health care provider. Talk to a midwife in your area that has been practicing for at least 15 years. I have my own opinions on this, but those opinions are based on what I feel now and felt when I was pregnant was and is best for my body. Only you know what is best for your baby and your body. Listen to your body, it will tell you what it needs. You are already on the right track, you are researching. Midwives are great in knowing the statistics of women that actually contract MMR during pregnancy, while this can be very dangerous being educated on the actuallity of it really happening to you may help you to make your desicion.
Best Wishes with your pregnancy! May it be joyous, healthy and empowering!
Dalene
Hethir, I am SO glad you wrote this. Its so important women understand the risks….and even more important people know that the vaccine companies are immune against ANY liability if the vaccine mames, or kills anyone. That is the main reason I did not get it. What are they trying to protect themselves from? I’ve never heard of a vaccine being immune from liability – just shoots out HUGE red flags for me. Plus, there were no human trials with this Swine Flu vaccine – why would I put something like that in my body, in my baby’s body? Vitamin D for me all the way !!!
Thanks Pamela! Elderberry Syrup is a great immune supporting herb for this flu season. Enjoy the holidays.
Warmly,
Dalene