11 August 2009

Seven day a week hotline for pregnant women

The NSW Government has allocated an extra $140,000 to enable a help hotline for pregnant women to expand to a seven day a week service.

NSW Health Minister, John Della Bosca, said the Mothersafe support line has been inundated with calls from pregnant women enquiring about the safety of flu vaccinations, because of concern surrounding swine flu.

“It seems some pregnant women may not be having their seasonal flu vaccination because they are worried about the impact it may have on their own health and that of their unborn child,” the Minister said.

“The service received in excess of 1800 calls last month, the largest number in its history, 302 more than the same period last year. Of the 1800, more than 150 were related to swine flu, five times the number received last month,” he added.

Head of Obstetrics at the Royal Hospital for Women, Dr Daniel Challis, said pregnant women should get immunised against influenza, even if in the first trimester.

“Being sick with the flu can result in quite serious illness for both mother and the unborn baby,” Dr Challis said.

“Although swine flu is a serious concern, seasonal influenza can be as serious and is easily preventable by vaccination.

“Anti-viral medication should also be used when flu is suspected as it will reduce the duration and severity of the illness, and the risk to your pregnancy,” he added.

Mr Della Bosca said as a result of the concerns, the NSW Government has announced additional on-call pharmacists will now man the Mothersafe pregnancy support service hotline so it can operate seven days a week.

“The pharmacists working in the call centre have specialist expertise in seasonal flu and swine flu treatment and can also provide pregnant women with free advice and instant reassurance they may need when making decisions regarding vaccinations.

“The pharmacists are also available to provide advice and information to obstetricians, GPs and midwives who may have queries regarding their patient’s treatment.

The Mothersafe support line operates every day between 9am-5pm on 9382 6539 or 1800 647 848.

For detailed information advice on influenza and pregnancy go to http://www.emergency.health.nsw.gov.au/swineflu/families/pregnant.asp

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au