SHENZHEN: An H1N1 flu-infected woman who gave birth in a cesarean section on Monday is in critical condition, doctors said Wednesday.

The woman, 28, was confirmed with the H1N1 virus when she was 36 weeks pregnant. She had a caesarean operation four weeks ahead of the delivery date to ensure her baby's safety. Her baby was born healthy but her condition worsened with respiratory failure and severe pneumonia.

"She also suffers from severe pregnancy-induced hypertension," said Liu Yingxia, a doctor at the department of infectious disease.

Figures from the United States show that the death rate of pregnant women with H1N1 flu can be 20 times that of the ordinary group.

Experts are advising pregnant women to see their doctors immediately once they develop influenza symptoms and to receive treatment as soon as possible.

-China Daily/Asia News Network