Twin Pregnancy Week By Week: 27 (Flu Shot)

on November 4, 2009 at 11:00 AM

We're joining Kim (aka wntg1grl), a stay-at-home mom of three who's expecting twins, on her exciting journey from bump-to-babies. Check back every week for the latest developments.

Week 27

What's Happening with Mom:

Well, last appointment I gained no weight...this week I made up for it. I gained 8 lbs in 2 weeks. No concern with that...actually its good, it just means that we are growing!

The OB asked me when I will be getting my flu shot. Well, I never have, so I am concerned with the risks. He says the risk of getting the flu outweighs any risk associated with the vaccine.

Then on Friday, I went to volunteer in my 2nd grader's classroom, and heard so much coughing. I asked the teacher about it, and one of the girls had just gotten back from having the flu. My son is now starting to have symptoms...I am hoping and praying he doesn't have the flu. Especially since the doctor had just told me that pregnant women are the highest risk. Supposedly, our immune system sort of "turns off" to prevent us killing off our own baby...I am worried about my son, the rest of the kids, and myself...I will definitely be doing more research.

What's Happening with Babies:

Hic, hic, hic...feel those tiny movements? We have the hiccups! It may start to get quite common right now, so don't be alarmed. And our brains are developing more and more everyday, we're becoming baby Einsteins in here!

Question of the Week from Answers:

Is it okay to get the flu shot while pregnant? — anonymous

ThrivingMom: It doesn't depend on the trimester. The regular flu vaccine is not only safe during pregnancy, it is highly recommended.

My OB, however, is not recommending the swine flu vaccine for pregnant women until there is much more testing done.

Filed Under: pregnancy calendar, twins & multiples, weekly pregnancy calendar, wntg1grl

Comments (4)

RanaAurora

on Nov 4, 2009 at 1:21 PM

The bit about your immune system isn't true in the slightest. You have a scare tactics doctor. In fact, the opposite is more true. Your body has to work especially hard to keep you healthy because it's doing so much more work right now too. THAT'S why pregnant women are more susceptible - your body is already stressed and overworked.

As far as the shot, that's up to you to decide. I recommend you read the product inserts for various flu vaccinations. I, personally, based on the suggestions ON THE INSERTS, would never get a flu shot while pregnant (or ever, for that matter).

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jeremysmom04

on Nov 4, 2009 at 5:54 PM

If my doctor ever told me that our immune system "turns off" while pregnant, I would fire him and find a new one. I can't stand a doctor who talks to me like I'm an idiot. That has to be the most asinine thing I've ever heard.

MrsBeck

on Nov 5, 2009 at 11:51 AM

The company I work for administers most of the flu shots in the area and yes it is highly recommended that pregnant women get the flu shot - just be sure to ask for the preservative free when you go in. But I would definitly recommend it!

Your baby bump is adorable by the way! I've been following from the begining and cannot believe you are already at 27 weeks!!

science_spot

on Nov 5, 2009 at 1:59 PM

As RanaAurora suggested - reading the insert and understanding the information there is the first step to making the decision to vaccinate or not. I provided links to dozens of inserts in this post - http://www.cafemom.com/journals/read/1542728/Many_Vaccine_Inserts

which also has a link to another post that explains what the information in the product insert means. I am happy to answer any specific questions you have.