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Cleveland Clinic study shows danger that flu poses to pregnant women

Doctors encourage pregnant moms to get a flu shot.

CLEVELAND — A Cleveland Clinic study suggests that women who get sick with the flu may be at a greater risk for delivering babies with complications.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the flu is more likely to make pregnant women severely ill. Cleveland Clinic's study collected data from more than 3,000 pregnant women, some who had the flu while pregnant and some who did not.

The research found that women who were admitted to the ICU with the H1N1 virus while pregnant were more likely to deliver babies who were preterm, low in weight and who scored lower on birth assessments. 

Cleveland Clinic's Dr. Jeffrey Chapa said in an article published by the clinic that the research study further emphasizes the importance of the flu shot, especially for pregnant moms. 

Chapa added that there is no evidence that the flu vaccine harms babies. 

“This study shows that not only can the flu vaccine help prevent bad outcomes for the mom, but it also can prevent adverse outcomes for the baby and it should make pregnant women more comfortable with taking the vaccine," Chapa said.

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