Study: H1N1 Vaccines Safe for Pregnant Women

Whether you’re an everyday mom or Jenny McCarthy, vaccinations—especially those involving children—are rarely ever taken lightly.  Results from a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association might bring parents a sigh of relief, however, reports TIME.com.

 According to the study, vaccinating pregnant women against the H1N1 virus does not put the unborn baby at risk. Researchers found less than a one percent difference in the rates of birth defects, preterm birth or low birth weight among babies whose mothers were vaccinated and those who were not—highly reassuring news for concerned soon-to-be parents.

Plus: 10 Vaccine Myths—Busted!

 The 2009 outbreak of the H1N1 virus hit pregnant women hard, in part due to a widespread hesitance to receive the quickly developed vaccination. This flu season, health experts urge pregnant women to get vaccinated because the contraction of the flu is particularly dangerous to the unborn baby.

Plus: What Moms-to-Be Need to Know about the H1N1 Virus

 While the winter flu is probably not on many parents radar during these summer months, experts hope that the positive news of this study encourages expectant parents to take the extra precaution come flu season.

 Did you have any flu scares during pregnancy? Have you received flu shots while expecting?