Nobody likes getting stuck with needles, but as Seattle Mama Doc Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson explains, getting a flu shot while pregnant is all for a good cause.

Here are 3 reasons why every planning, pregnant or new mama should get the flu shot this year:

1. Pregnant moms are at increased risk

The American Academy of Pediatrics explains:

Flu is more likely to cause severe illness in pregnant women than in those women not pregnant.

2. She protects herself

The CDC notes:

Influenza (flu) can cause severe illness among pregnant women and result in preterm labor and increased risk for hospitalization and death. . . The best way for pregnant women to protect themselves from the flu is to get a flu shot.

3. She starts to create antibodies

That she passes along to baby, to in turn protect him from influenza.

Look at you, already such a caring and loving mama!

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