Flu shot in early pregnancy

[lverler]

I'm 23 weeks pregnant now, but I still can't stop thinking about the fact that I received a flu shot at about 5 1/2 to 6 weeks pregnant.  My doctor insisted that I get the shot and that it was perfectly safe.  I trusted her since she has been a doctor for over 20 years and I knew she wouldn't give me something that could harm the baby.  Well, after researching it on my own, I more than likely would NOT have received the shot.  At my 20 week ultrasound the baby (girl!) looked great and healthy, but I'm concerned about the link between mercury and autism.  I'm one of those people that doesn't like putting any kind of meds in my body and I listened to my doc and got this shot.  Anyone else get the shot in early pregnancy and everything turn out fine?  I need some positive feedback.  Thanks

[JoyRenee]

GA, the docs don't typically have shots with the mercury in them but you should double-check next time you go in because they are still around in some places. Say your children are only allowed Thermisol-Free vaccinations.

[lverler]

Just wanted to add that almost all childhood immunizations no longer contain thermisol (mercury).  The flu vaccine is one of the few that still contains the thermisol.  There is a preservative free flu vaccine, but it is hard to find and I did not receive that one!

[LosingMyMindInGA]

I also had no idea that immunizations CONTAINED mercury!??!?!

[LosingMyMindInGA]

I had flu shots with two of my pregnancies and both of them are just fine...

[JoyRenee]

The likelihood of your baby becoming autistic because of that flu shot is probably slim. There is apparently no link between autism and mercury, but I don't personally believe that. I also ask for my childrens' vaccines to be mercury-free (something to think about after your daughter is born).

Autism is not diagnosed until about 15 months or later. Just watch your baby carefully for signs when she gets closer to her 2nd birthday.