Flu shot

[worried1216]

Hi Dr.

I know I touched on this subject a little in the past, but I want to make sure I get a second opinion.  My Ob office does not have preservative free flu vaccines.  They said it was fine to get the regular shot at any time during pregnancy.   My concern is the mercury content in the vaccine.  Should I be concerned? Or go ahead and get the shot?  Is 25mcg of mercury a lot?  What has been your experience

Pleas help,

Worried

[Corrida29]

I am pregnant and just went for my first u/s. The tech said I was really early but they could make out the heartbeat so they think in around 6weeks. You are a bit to early to detect a heartbeat as the heart is developing around the 6 week so that's why you probably didn't see anything. Your baby is just tiny right now :) I wouldn't worry, as long as your cramps are not severe and/or accompanied by bleeding. Cramping, mild is normal. I hope this helps. I'm pretty new to this pregnancy thing but have been reading lots.

[hope2god]

I went to the hospital on nov.10 with extreme cramps. They did blood work and said I was pregnant. They took me in to do an u/s and didn't see anything. Should I be worried? ?? They said I'm about 4 wks is it to early?

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
The flu shot was initially recommended only in the second and third trimesters, but that policy was later revised to include the first trimester too.  The mercury content is miniscule.  The shot is important because the morbidity and mortality or the flu are both increased in pregnancy.  In other words pregnant women are more likely to get sicker or even die from flu than non-pregnant individuals.  There is always a risk -- benefit trade off with every decision, but I think that the benefits here far out weigh any risk.
Good luck!
Dr B