Vaccines form a crucial part of prenatal care and offer critical protection that is needed by a pregnant woman and the foetus to stay healthy. Timely vaccination in pregnancy is important for maintaining the good health of the mother and the child and for ensuring their well-being. A mother’s body has many antibodies, which are also relayed to the infant during the last month of gestation and the right vaccines for pregnant women help stimulate the development of these antibodies.
Importance of Proper Vaccination during Pregnancy
During pregnancy, a mother's immune system undergoes several changes to support the growth of the baby, making her more prone to certain infections. This is another reason why getting vaccinated during pregnancy is necessary for protecting both the mother and the unborn child. Vaccination in pregnancy acts like a shield against potentially harmful diseases, reducing the risk of complications during pregnancy and after childbirth. A major benefit of getting vaccinated while pregnant is the transfer of protective antibodies to the baby through the placenta, providing crucial immunity during the first few months of life when the baby is most susceptible to infections.
Furthermore, vaccination can prevent severe illnesses in pregnant women, reducing the likelihood of preterm birth, low birth weight, and other complications. By promoting maternal health, vaccines indirectly support the baby's growth and development. Therefore, receiving appropriate vaccines for pregnant women is essential for the well-being of both the mother and the unborn child. A woman should ensure that she is up to date on her routine immunisations before trying to conceive a child. This is significant since there are certain vaccines that cannot be given to a pregnant woman.
The health of both mother and child depends on timely vaccination. Pregnant women and their unborn children benefit greatly from immunisations given before, during, and after pregnancy. When it comes to protecting a baby from some fatal infections, the mother's immunity is often the first line of defence. The immune system of a pregnant woman is very strong. In the ninth month of pregnancy, they transfer these antibodies to the infant. Vaccinations accelerate the formation of these antibodies in both mothers and children to help them fight harmful viruses and bacteria.
Vaccines That Should Be Administered Before Pregnancy
There are three main categories of vaccines, including those made from live viruses, inactivated viruses, and toxoids (safe, genetically engineered proteins derived from bacteria). Because of the potential risk to the unborn child, pregnant women should not undergo live virus immunizations like the combined MMR vaccine. Vaccinations against pathogens or dead viruses, such as the flu shot or the tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine, can be administered during pregnancy.
A woman who is trying to conceive should find out whether she has been vaccinated against the four most common contagious diseases: measles, mumps, rubella (German measles), and chicken pox. Vaccines for these diseases are made from weakened versions of the viruses and are not administered during pregnancy, even to women who have not been immunised against these diseases.
Most Important Vaccinations During Pregnancy
Commonly recommended vaccines for pregnant women include:
Influenza Vaccine: Getting vaccinated against influenza, or a "flu shot," during pregnancy is strongly advised. It is important to note that the influenza vaccine used during pregnancy is made from an inactivated virus, ensuring the safety of both the mother and the baby. However, it is advisable to refrain from the influenza nasal spray vaccine, as it contains a live virus.
Tetanus Toxoid, Reduced Diphtheria Toxoid, and Acellular Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine: During pregnancy getting a vaccine against tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis is recommended. It is advised to receive one dose of the Tdap or Boostrix vaccine during each pregnancy, regardless of when you had your last Tdap or tetanus-diphtheria (Td) vaccination. By receiving the Tdap vaccine, pregnant women can help protect their newborns from whooping cough, also known as pertussis. Ideally, the Tdap vaccine should be administered between 27 and 36 weeks of pregnancy.
COVID-19 Vaccine: For pregnant individuals who have previously contracted COVID-19, it is advised to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations, including any recommended boosters. The administration of the COVID-19 vaccine at any time during pregnancy is completely safe.
Hepatitis B: The hepatitis B vaccine is considered safe to receive during pregnancy. If the pregnant individual is a medical worker or lives with someone who has the illness, it is worth considering getting vaccinated. Hepatitis B is a viral infection that can lead to liver inflammation, and symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). In some cases, it can result in chronic liver disease, liver cancer, or even death. By getting the hepatitis B vaccine during pregnancy, expectant mothers can protect themselves and their babies from the risks associated with this infection.
Hepatitis A: Antibodies against hepatitis A protect against a liver disease that can spread through contaminated food or water. Symptoms include high body temperature, fatigue, and nausea. In most cases, the infection will not harm an unborn child and the illness itself is not as severe as the B side of the condition. However, in some rare cases, hepatitis A can increase the risk of preterm birth and newborn infection.
Get ready for your baby's arrival
Vaccines Not Recommended During Pregnancy
Live vaccinations should be avoided by pregnant women. Vaccines against the following are not advised for expectant mothers:
To protect against HPV (human papillomavirus).
Vaccine against the nasal spread of influenza that contains live virus.
Shot against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR).
Vaccine against varicella, or chickenpox.
Pregnant women should avoid getting some travel immunizations, including those for yellow fever, typhoid, and Japanese encephalitis. These travel vaccinations are not recommended in pregnancy unless the doctor thinks the benefits outweigh the risks.
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