What You Need to Know about the Flu and Pregnancy

November 12, 2026

Influenza (the flu) can turn into a severe illness in certain individuals, including the elderly, immunocompromised and women who are pregnant. In fact, if you’re pregnant, you have a much higher risk of developing complications from the flu throughout your pregnancy and up to two weeks postpartum. In some instances, these complications can result in hospitalization and may become life-threatening.

The Dangers of Flu While Expecting

During a pregnancy, your immune system is naturally suppressed to protect your baby, but this also means it is easier for you to get sick yourself. There is also additional stress put on your heart as your heart rate increases to supply blood to your baby.

“A pregnant woman’s lungs also experience stress as her lung capacity declines and decreased oxygenation to the mom in turn affects the baby’s growth,” says Dr. Akeem Adigun, an OB/GYN with Memorial Hermann Medical Group Cypress. “Together, these factors increase the risk for certain health complications from the flu, including pneumonia, which can be very serious.”

Contracting the flu can also have harmful effects on developing babies by increasing chances for miscarriage, low birth weight, preterm labor and premature birth. In addition, a high fever in the first trimester can increase the chance of certain birth defects, such as neural tube defects, which are defects of the brain and spinal cord.

Protecting Yourself and Your Baby

The best way for you to prevent the flu and severe illness from the flu is to get the influenza vaccine each year, which is something recommended to both pregnant and nonpregnant people.

Flu shots have been given to millions of pregnant women, and there is substantial evidence that they are safe during any trimester of pregnancy. A 2018 study referenced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that getting a flu shot reduced a pregnant woman’s risk of being hospitalized with the flu by an average of 40%.

“Flu vaccines can also help to protect babies from getting sick with the flu for the first six months after birth when they are too young to be vaccinated themselves,” Dr. Adigun mentions. “If you have had severe reactions to vaccines or have certain allergies, talk with your doctor to ensure the flu vaccine is safe for you. It is also worth noting that the influenza nasal spray is not recommended during pregnancy.”

In addition to getting the flu vaccine, there are several preventive measures you can take to avoid getting ill, such as avoiding close contact with people who are sick, regularly and properly washing your hands and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

If you are breastfeeding and have the flu, the CDC encourages you to continue breastfeeding as your antibodies can be passed down to your baby, offering additional protection, especially if your baby is too young to be vaccinated. Maternal immunization provides dual protection by safeguarding you while you’re pregnant and offering passive immunity to your unborn baby. Vaccine-induced IgG (immunoglobulin G) antibodies are transported to your baby via the placenta during pregnancy. This underscores the broader public health value of maternal vaccination for mother and baby.  

Don't Wait: Get Care for the Flu

Dr. Adigun says there are several common signs and symptoms for the flu, such as fever, cough, body aches, headaches, fatigue, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat and vomiting. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and you are pregnant, even if you have had a flu shot, call your health care provider as soon as possible to see if you qualify for antiviral treatment.

There are also more serious signs and symptoms that can result from the flu. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is crucial that you call 911 and seek emergency medical care immediately:

• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Severe or constant vomiting
• Persistent dizziness, confusion or drowsiness
• Seizures
• Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
• Fever or cough that improves, but then returns or worsens
• Not urinating
• High fever (above 102 degrees Fahrenheit) that is not responding to acetaminophen
• Decreased or no movement of your baby
• Severe muscle pain
• Severe weakness or unsteadiness

“If you get the flu vaccine and take precautionary measures this flu season, it is less likely that you will become infected or experience severe illness, which will help protect both you and your baby,” Dr. Adigun says.