Pregnant Women ‘Face Raised Swine Flu Risk’

Pregnant women with swine flu are four times more likely to be admitted to hospital than members of the general population, according to new research. The findings from the US suggest that pregnancy places women at extra risk of serious complications from the virus.

Fears about the flu threat to expectant mothers have been highlighted by the case of Sharon Pentleton, from Ayrshire, who is now receiving specialist care in Sweden.

She was flown to the Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm after no beds were available at the only UK unit capable of treating her.

The new research was carried out by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American equivalent of the UK Health Protection Agency.