Worried about getting flu during pregnancy? While catching the flu during pregnancy rarely causes birth defects, pregnancy can increase your risk for flu complications such as pneumonia. The best way to have a healthy pregnancy is to try to prevent the flu altogether.

What's the best way to prevent flu in pregnancy?

To prevent the flu, get vaccinated. A flu shot is the number one way to prevent the flu. Studies show that viral illness like the flu and colds usually last three times longer in pregnant women.

Flu season can begin as early as October and last as late as May. October or November is the best time to get vaccinated, but getting vaccinated in December is still wise.

Is the flu shot dangerous during pregnancy?

The flu shot does not contain live virus and cannot give you the flu. Some women do have fatigue and muscle aches due to their immune system responding to the vaccine. In addition, the flu shot is also safe while breastfeeding. It cannot cause you or your nursing baby to get sick. The shot takes about two weeks to work.

For more information about the flu shot, see WebMD's Flu Shot: Influenza Vaccine and Side Effects.

How do you find a place to get a flu shot?

The American Lung Association offers an online flu vaccine clinic locator. Visit www.flucliniclocator.org, enter a zip code and a date (or dates), and receive information about clinics scheduled in your area.

There is also a nasal flu vaccine called FluMist that contains weakened viruses. The nasal flu vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy because it has not been tested in pregnant women.

For more information about FluMist, see WebMD's What Is FluMist?

How do you treat symptoms of the flu or colds during pregnancy?

Many flu and cold medicines have not been well studied in pregnancy. If you are pregnant and have the flu, call your doctor before taking any over-the-counter or prescription medication.

Medications to avoid during pregnancy include:

Antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu, Flumadine, Relenza or Symmetrel. These drugs may cause a small increase in the risk of birth defects.
Aspirinand ibuprofen. Aspirin may cause bleeding. Ibuprofen hasn't been studied in pregnant women.
The expectorant guaifenesin and the cough suppressant dextromethorphan. These are commonly found in cold and flu medicines and cough syrups. Their safety is either unknown or they have been linked to pregnancy complications in animal studies.

What flu medications are safe to take during pregnancy?

Medications that your doctor may suggest during pregnancy include:

Acetaminophen, the preferred treatment for aches and pains of flu and colds during pregnancy
Chlorpheniramine, the antihistamine of choice for pregnant women
Pseudoephedrine, the decongestant of choice during pregnancy after the first trimester

Do not use pseudoephedrine in the first trimester because it has been linked to developmental problems within the fetus's digestive system.

These medications are found commonly in over-the-counter cold and flu remedies. Check labels carefully.

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