H1N1 Concerns For Pregnant Women

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Updated: 10:12 AM Nov 3, 2009 H1N1 Concerns For Pregnant Women Federal health officials say that H1N1 is now widespread in 48 states around the country. We've heard, pregnant women are more vulnerable. As of today 28 pregnant women nationwide have died of the swine flu. Posted: 5:03 PM Nov 2, 2009 Reporter: Nichole Vrsansky

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That's why they are among the first on the list to receive the vaccine. New testing also shows pregnant women are well-protected by one dose of the swine flu shot, meaning their immune systems did receive that needed boost. The problem, however, is still the supply. But once new doses of the vaccine come in doctors are encouraging expectant women to get their shot. One local OB office is definitely part of that encouragement.

"You're supporting another life so your immunity is a little lowered during the pregnancy, so we want to make sure that you're not being exposed to the germs and everything that's going around," says nurse supervisor Sherri Eckert

Meanwhile, the H1N1 virus has prompted visitor restrictions at Rockford's three main hospitals and today new rules also take effect at FHN in Freeport. The chief nursing officer there says kids 12 and under will not be allowed and there can only be two visitors per patient at a time.

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