- Psychological effects of the mother’s flu on children. There was a study published in the JAMA Psychiatry which found a strong correlation between pregnant women who had the flu at any time in her pregnancy and bipolar disease (BD) in the birthed child later in her life.
Previous studies, some inconclusive, linked pregnant women with influenza to psychological illnesses such as schizophrenia, BD and psychosis in children born to the women. Studies of both schizophrenia and BD are beginning to shed light on the mechanism that may cause these two illnesses. There have been similarities discovered between the illnesses that may influence the further studies of psychological disorders.
So flu shots anyone? The best way to prevent the flu and lessen its severity in pregnant women is to get a flu vaccination as early in the season as possible. The shot also has benefits for your newborn. Breastfeeding passes antibodies that the mother’s body has developed onto the nursing baby. This helps babies fight infections, especially in the first six months of their lives as they cannot yet get immunized. Studies have found that breastfed babies of inoculated moms get sick less often and the illness is less severe. Protection for the infant was found to last about four months
And for those of you who heard certain rumors about flu vaccines, they are not true. There is no connection between getting the flu shot and miscarriages. Also, there is a tiny bit of thimerosal, or a form of mercury, in the vaccine. It acts as a preservative. Studies have shown that there is no link between thimerosal to autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorders.
So no excuses. The most prudent thing a pregnant woman can do is to get a flu shot in a timely manner. It may be the best decision for both you and your baby’s health.