Kyla Oakes, and many other pregnant women, are confused after hearing so much differing information about H1N1.

"There's an onslaught of information we've been getting and none of it is consistent, so I came to find that consistent information," said Oakes about why she attended the H1N1 and pregnant women conversation at the Cuelenaere Public Library on Tuesday night.

Health officials understand the stress in the community, so the Prince Albert Parkland Health Region's community mental health services sponsored the question-and-answer event.

"I wanted to know what the risks of getting the vaccine are," said Jodi Jacobson, another expecting mom.

With two vaccines available for pregnant women, one with an adjuvant and one without, confusion has increased, said Angela Bowen, assistant professor at the College of Nursing at the University of Saskatchewan and one of event's speakers.

"It's been a real source of stress and confusion for women when there are two choices and you can't get one," she said.

The unadjuvanted vaccine is expected to arrive in the province later in the week.

"If we had never said unadjuvanted, I think everyone would be much happier going into it," she said.

The unadjuvanted vaccine is recommended by the federal government to be given to women who have been pregnant for less than 20 weeks. However, if the woman is in a higher risk situation - such as working around youth or having an underlying illness - they are being encouraged to receive the currently available adjuvanted vaccine.

Health officials are recommending that pregnant women receive the vaccine as the flu can cause complications with pregnancy, said Dr. Khami Chokani, the medical health officer for the region.

The body of a pregnant woman has a heightened immune response, making it very sensitive to invasions, he said.

"The virus uses that as an opportunity to be able to spread."

As the immune response continues and increases, the body can eventually try to reject the baby, Chokani said.

"If you get the vaccine now, your baby is protected," said Bowen.

The baby's protection can continue for several months after birth, especially in the key first six months.

New mothers are being encouraged to breastfeed, even if they have H1N1, because it gives the baby nutrition and continues to provide immunity, said Wanda Atcheson, manager of public health nursing.

ahill@paherald.sk.ca