Alright. We're gonna get a little controversial here. First of all, the flu shot in and of itself in controversial, heck any shot is controversial. But the flu shot during pregnancy, that's a whole 'nother thing.
I've always had shots without a thought, when I was little I don't think my parents batted an eye when a doctor said it was time for so and so shot and let me say I am very thankful for shots. But now, with the internet on our side (which can be a good or bad thing at times), research can be done on those shots and just about every shot in the book. I'm sure we'll vaccinate our kids, although I haven't done any research on much of anything, but there are some worries about it.
But now that I'm pregnant, the question comes up of a flu shot. Now, I have never had the flu in my life, nor have I ever gotten the flu shot. I've done some basic research on this, and the amount of mercury in the flu shot does scare me. Especially because I'm in the first trimester when the baby is still developing.
When I had my appointment last week, the PA didn't mention anything about it, but I wasn't going to bring it up either. I don't want her to tell me I'm stupid because I'm not going to get it. That's right. I'm not going to get the flu shot.
Mr. Skinny and I have talked about it and we feel that if there's the slightest chance that this shot could harm our baby, we don't want to get it. My number one problem is the mercury, I've seen research that's scared me about how much is in it, and I know they have a "no preservative" flu shot, but that's still contains the mercury.
My second huge problem is that I don't know how I'll react to it. I've googled it, and there are stories about miscarriages and becoming sick after getting the flu shot. I work with one other person who is a neat freak, and I doubt I'd pick anything up from there, and I don't really leave the house on my days off. I'm going to talk Mr. Skinny into getting the flu shot, and my dad already got it. With the baby still in their early developmental days, I don't want to do something I might regret later on, and I'm just hoping that I don't eat my words after this.
If I got the flu shot before and I knew how I'd react, this might be a different situation. If I was a teacher or around the public all day this might be different, but for me and my situation, I'm not getting the flu shot.
Opinions? Please try to understand where I'm coming from and don't be too judgmental.
I was pregnant during the whole swine flu thing and I didn't get the shot. I was working from home and I felt that the benefit didn't outweigh the risk. If I was in a large office and in contact with more people, maybe I would have gotten.
ReplyDeleteIt's a really personal decision and the first of MANY. No judgment here. :)
No judgement. This pregnant lady isn't planning on getting it either.
ReplyDeleteMy arm is still all achy from my flu shot, but I saw my baby today and its still fine. I agree with you about getting the flu shot in the first trimester, but I chose to get mine now because it also protects the baby from the flu after birth and I work in a hospital. Also, still not telling you what to do, but you should know that the amount of mercury in the flu shot is comparable to most fish. Also, the shot contains thimerisol, which is metabolized into ethylmercury, which is different from methylmercury. I also really carefully read that adverse reaction reporting from the FDA and there were only 3 cases of miscarriage reported post-flu shot and none of them were considered to be related by the attending physician. The flu, however, is linked to numerous complications in pregnancy. If you don't feel comfortable getting a flu shot, by all means, it's your choice.
ReplyDeleteI hope you don't think this comment is a personal attack on you because it's not meant to be. I'm just telling you why I took a different road.
I got the pregnancy flu shot per my doctor's orders. I am in my 3rd trimester. I'm not sure what I would do if I were in my 1st. I say if your doctor hasn't asked you to get it, there is no need to worry about it right now. If she does, she can certainly tell you her thoughts about your concerns. She should never ever make you feel stupid.
ReplyDeleteI've never had a flu shot. If I were pregnant, I wouldn't even think to get a flu shot. The doctor will probably say something if she really thinks you should get one. If it comes up, ask about the pros and cons of getting it vs not getting it so you can make an informed decision.
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