BC Women's Hospital has introduced new protocols to detect and treat H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu, in pregnant women.
All pregnant women will be screened for the flu. They'll be asked whether they have experienced flu-like symptoms or have come into contact with anyone with flu symptoms in the past seven days.
Women who screen positively will be tested for the flu and given antivirals immediately.
And those who have the flu and give birth won't necessarily be separated from their child. They will have a choice to stay with their child, wearing masks and abiding by appropriate respiratory isolation guidelines.
The hospital's protocols were put to the test recently in the case of Jennifer Schultz.
The new mother is fully recovered after battling swine flu last month while pregnant. She had to have an emergency C-section.
Schultz was kept in isolation after giving birth and didn't get close to her son again for 48 hours.
"It was probably the saddest thing I've ever had to do," she said.
Pregnant women are considered to be at higher risk of complications from H1N1.
The federal government announced Wednesday they'll be one of the first groups to be vaccinated.
Pregnant women, health workers, children, people living in remote places, and adults with chronic conditions should be the first to roll up their sleeves for a swine flu shot when it's ready, said Dr. David Butler-Jones, Canada's chief public health officer.
"Keeping in mind that we've ordered enough vaccine for every Canadian that needs and wants to be immunized, our basic approach is to ensure that those that need it most get it first," he said.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Maria Weisgarber and files from The Canadian Press.
