Pregnant women are vulnerable to infectious diseases.

Pregnant women are more susceptible to some infectious diseases, such as influenza and whooping cough. This is because their immune systems are weakened during pregnancy.

There are a number of reasons why pregnant women are more susceptible to infectious diseases. One reason is that the hormones that are produced during pregnancy can suppress the immune system. Another reason is that pregnant women have a higher volume of blood, which can make it more difficult for their immune system to fight off infection.

Because of this, pregnant women are more likely to experience severe illness and complications from influenza than non-pregnant women. Additionally, changes in their heart and lung function during pregnancy make them more susceptible to respiratory problems.

According to a study published in the Medical Journal of Australia, pregnant women who contract influenza are at a 51% higher risk of stillbirth and a 31% higher risk of premature delivery. They are also at an increased risk of hospitalisation and death.

COVID in pregnancy can increase the risk of hospitalisation, premature birth, stillbirth, and other serious complications for both mother and baby.  In fact, pregnant women in Australia are 2.7 times more likely to be hospitalised with COVID than non-pregnant women of reproductive age, due to changes to their immune system and respiratory system during pregnancy.

Pregnancy vaccination is the best way to protect pregnant women from infectious diseases and their serious complications, including hospitalisation.