CANBERRA, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Pregnant women are right to be cautious and avoid crowded public places, an Australian A/H1N1 flu expert said on Tuesday.

    Alan Hampson, who is chairing the Influenza Specialist Group (ISG), said every Australian should take steps to limit their exposure to A/H1N1 flu - particularly those at additional risk.

    "I think as much as possible we should be avoiding the infection, particularly if you're in a risk group, including pregnancy," Hampson said.

    His warning follows reports from Queensland health officials that a 19-year-old pregnant Palm Island woman who contracted A/N1N1 flu had lost her near-term child.

    It is believed to be Australia's first A/H1N1 flu-related death of a foetus, and the women remains in a critical condition in Townsville hospital.

    "Pregnant women are more at risk for two reasons," he said.

    "Their immune system does seem to be suppressed during pregnancy ... and their respiratory function is compromised simply because of the pressure on the diaphragm (from the growing baby)."    

Special Report:  World Tackles A/H1N1 Flu