Mothers-to-be should protect themselves and their babies by getting the flu jab this winter, urge midwives at Epsom and St Helier hospitals.

The potential impact of the flu on pregnant women can be devastating and NHS guidance recommends that all pregnant women get the jab, regardless at what stage in their pregnancy they are.

Marion Louki, head of midwifery and gynaecology at Epsom and St Helier hospitals Marion said: “There is good evidence that there is a higher chance of pregnant women developing complications if they get flu, particularly in the later stages of their pregnancy.

“One of the most common complications of flu is bronchitis, a chest infection that can become serious and develop into pneumonia.

“If you have the flu while pregnant it could mean your baby is born prematurely or has a low birthweight, and may even lead to stillbirth or death in the first week of life.”

The flu vaccine only lasts for a year, so those who had a jab last year will need another injection this year and the jab doesn’t contain the ‘live’ virus so it cannot give people the flu.

Marion said: “Studies have shown that the flu vaccine is safe during any stage of pregnancy, from the first few weeks up to your expected due date.

“The vaccine doesn’t carry risk for you or your baby.”

The flu jab, which is free for pregnant women and those in other ‘at risk’ groups, is available from your GP or pharmacy.

For more information about the flu vaccine for pregnant women, visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/flu-jab-vaccine-pregnant.aspx.