Swine-flu deaths raise concerns about pregnancies

COLUMBUS (AP) — The swine-flu deaths of two women in Ohio who had just given birth have raised concerns among pregnant women.

A 20-year-old woman in Franklin County died of swine flu Thursday a week after delivering a healthy baby girl.

An 18-year-old Cuyahoga County woman died in June from swine flu shortly after giving birth.

Pregnant women are among the high-risk groups for swine flu. Dr. Augustus Parker, a Columbus-area obstetrician, said their immune systems are stretched thin because they have to protect two living beings.

Area obstetricians said they were flooded with calls Friday from pregnant women inquiring about a swine flu vaccine, which is expected to be available sometime in October.

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