Vaccines administered before and during pregnancy are critical to protecting both your and your baby’s health. Babies’ first line of defense against many hazardous infections is their mother’s immunity. Following immunization, pregnant women produce large numbers of antibodies, which are passed on to their offspring.
Pregnant women who are not up to date on their vaccines risk harming themselves or their unborn children. If you are having a child, consult your doctor about which vaccines you may require and whether you should have them now or wait until your child is born. Here’s everything you should know about vaccines.
What is immunization or vaccination?
Vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect yourself against fatal diseases, before they infect you. It boosts the immune system’s response by utilizing your body’s natural ability to create infection resistance.
Vaccines strengthen people’s immune systems, allowing them to resist severe viral infections. It benefits the society by preventing contagious diseases from spreading.
Many women may be unaware that they have not been injected and hence susceptible to diseases that could harm them or their unborn children. Pregnant women should consult their doctors to decide which vaccines they may need and whether they should be administered while pregnant or after the birth of their child.
Types of vaccinations
During a pre-pregnancy appointment, you should request a blood test to determine whether you are immune to certain viruses. You should be immunized before becoming pregnant. Simply postpone pregnancy for one month, as these immunizations contain live viruses that can harm your unborn child. The following vaccines are advisable to take:
Vaccines to take before pregnancy
Measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR)
Measles, a highly contagious virus-borne disease, has initial symptoms that include fever, cough, and runny nose, followed by a patchy red rash, a few days later.
Mumps is a common viral infection that causes salivary gland swelling.
If you develop one of them while pregnant, your odds of having a miscarriage increase. Measles may also raise the possibility of early labor.
Rubella causes influenza-like symptoms and can also be harmful to pregnant women.
Varicella vaccine (chicken pox)
Chickenpox is an extremely contagious disease that causes fever and an itchy rash. Approximately 2% of children delivered to moms who contract chickenpox during the first five months of pregnancy have birth defects, such as malformed or paralyzed limbs. Furthermore, a woman who contracts chickenpox around the time of delivery may transmit the infection to her newborn, which can be fatal.
Vaccines to take during pregnancy
Influenza vaccine (flu shot)
All pregnant women are advised to take this flu vaccine. This shot is most effective between November and March. The flu vaccine is safe for both yourself and your child because it is composed of dead viruses. However, you must avoid a live virus vaccine while pregnant.
Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis vaccine (Tdap)
Tdap can be taken at any time during pregnancy, although it is most effective between weeks 27 and 36. Because the immunization contains toxoids, it is safe to get during pregnancy. October or November is the best time to get this shot.
Tetanus is a disorder that produces severe muscle spasms and convulsions in the central nervous system.
Diphtheria is a respiratory infection that can result in breathing difficulties, paralysis, coma, and death.
A booster shot is required every ten years, despite the fact that it is uncommon today.
Hepatitis A
Pregnant women with a history of chronic liver disease may be given the hepatitis A vaccine by their doctors or other healthcare experts.
Hepatitis B
A baby born to a woman with hepatitis B has the highest chance of catching the infection during birth. Make sure to discuss it with your doctor.
Vaccinations for Travel
Pregnant women planning international travel should visit with their doctor or healthcare provider at least 4 to 6 weeks before departure to discuss any special precautions or vaccines that may be necessary.
Significance of Immunization Post-Pregnancy
Clinicians may encourage certain women to obtain the majority of their immunizations shortly after giving birth. Postpartum immunization protects mothers against illness and provides antibodies to the newborn through breast milk. If mothers did not receive particular vaccines prior to or during pregnancy, vaccination following pregnancy is crucial.
The baby will also start getting vaccines to protect him or her from major childhood diseases, post birth.
Conclusion
Pregnant women who are not up to date on their vaccines risk developing diseases that could harm them or their unborn babies. If you are having a baby, consult your doctor about which vaccines you may require and whether you should have them now or wait until your baby is born.
Your doctor will weigh the risks of vaccination against the benefits it can provide, depending on the circumstances.
If you have any questions about vaccines during pregnancy or would like more information, feel free to schedule a consultation with our doctors at Progenesis Fertility Center.