Park Leys Medical Practice

Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists – statement 17th July 2009
Current guidance in the UK for pregnant and breastfeeding women remains unchanged. Pregnant women are advised to practice good hand hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap and water. Tissues should be used to cover the mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing, and used tissues should be disposed of promptly. Pregnant women are advised to avoid crowded places when possible.

The Department of Health guidance is unchanged.
While most pregnant women with swine flu will only have mild symptoms like most other people, there is a higher risk of developing complications.If you are pregnant and think you may have swine flu, call your GP. Pregnant women with swine flu may be given an antiviral drug called Relenza.

Advice for Breastfeeding Mothers
Women who are breastfeeding should continue while receiving antiviral treatment or prophylaxis as they are not contraindicated in breastfeeding. In particular mothers should feed on demand. Where possible additional formula should not be used so that the infant receives as much of the maternal antibodies as possible.
If a mother is ill, she should continue breastfeeding and increase feeding frequency. If she becomes too ill to feed then expressing milk may still be possible. If the baby becomes too ill to breastfeed then expressed milk should be used.
The risk for swine influenza transmission through breast milk is unknown. However, reports of viraemia with seasonal influenza infection are rare.

Jan 2010: The Department of Health have issued a leaflet for pregnant women who have concerns about swine flu. You can download a copy here.