Flu in pregnancy is a serious yet treatable illness. Pregnant women are more likely to be hospitalized for the flu than nonpregnant women. When you’re diagnosed early, pregnancy-safe treatments can help reduce your symptoms and shorten the length of the illness. Getting an annual flu shot is the best way to prevent the flu.
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Influenza (flu) is a common viral infection that spreads from person to person. It spreads through the air and on surfaces when someone with the flu coughs, sneezes or talks.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Having the flu during pregnancy can lead to severe illness, including a higher chance of hospitalization and developing pneumonia. Call your healthcare provider if you’re pregnant and have flu-like symptoms.
You can have one or many of the following symptoms of the flu:
Some flu symptoms are also typical pregnancy symptoms. To figure out what you’re experiencing, it can help to consider:
The same virus causes the flu in everyone. It mainly infects your lungs, nose and throat. It causes symptoms similar to a cold. It also spreads easily. You can get the flu by breathing in the virus or by touching something that has the virus on it.
The flu is contagious beginning one day before symptoms start. That means you can catch the flu from someone who doesn’t yet know they have it. And they’re still contagious five to seven days after actually feeling sick.
It can affect amniotic fluid levels, but it’s not a direct cause. The flu can lead to fever and dehydration. These factors may temporarily affect amniotic fluid volume.
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Severe infections can also affect the placenta by reducing blood flow to the fetus or causing inflammation. This could lead to the fetus making less pee, which changes how much amniotic fluid you have.
You’re at a higher risk of getting the flu when you’re pregnant compared to when you’re not pregnant. That’s because pregnancy naturally suppresses your immune system. It also changes how hard your lungs need to work. This increases your risk of infections like the flu and makes it harder to breathe.
One study found that you’re most likely to get the flu in your first trimester. Your risk increases the longer you’re pregnant during peak flu season (usually November to February).
If you get the flu while pregnant, you’re more likely to need to go to the hospital for treatment than if you weren’t pregnant. That’s because it can cause complications like:
Studies have shown that flu during pregnancy increases your risk of miscarriage, preterm birth and low birth weight. That’s why it’s so important to take steps to protect yourself, like getting a flu shot and seeking care right away if you feel sick.
Healthcare providers use a flu test to confirm you have the virus. They’ll wipe the inside of your nose or the back of your throat with a long cotton swab.
Some flu test results are available in less than 30 minutes (rapid tests). Other tests get sent to a lab, so it can take several days to get results.
If you’re diagnosed early, your healthcare provider may prescribe an antiviral medication. While antivirals don’t cure the flu, they can stop symptoms from getting worse. Many providers prefer the oral antiviral oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) for pregnant women.
Talk to your provider about other medications you can safely take during pregnancy. These may include:
If your healthcare provider prescribes an antiviral, you should feel it working within a day or two. Over-the-counter pain and fever medications can start helping right away.
You should notice an improvement in your symptoms within five to seven days. If you don’t start feeling better after a week, call your provider.
See your healthcare provider if you notice any flu symptoms or any symptoms that seem unusual or concerning.
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Go to the nearest emergency room if you have any of these severe flu symptoms:
With early diagnosis and treatment, you’ll recover from the flu with no problems. But you do have a higher chance of getting serious complications from the flu. Make sure to rest and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Take over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen to help your symptoms. Flu symptoms can last for a week or more. It’s important to take extra care of yourself during this time.
The best way to prevent flu during pregnancy is by getting a flu shot. The best time to get your flu shot is before flu season starts. But you can get it at any time.
You should also follow general flu prevention best practices:
Getting the flu is never fun, but it can be especially difficult while you’re pregnant. It can also be more serious. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice any signs of the flu. Early treatment with antiviral medications can help you feel better sooner. Getting a flu shot during pregnancy is the best way to protect you and your baby.
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Cleveland Clinic’s health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability and up-to-date clinical standards.
Cleveland Clinic’s health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability and up-to-date clinical standards.
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