Thus, immunisation is the cheapest form of protecting the health of both the mother and the offspring, and the latter should be immunised both before the conception and during the pregnancy. During the term of pregnancy, various antibodies are transferred by the mother to her child within the final trimester. While some of these antibodies are present in the normal population, others need to be boosted following pregnancy vaccinations. This is the mechanism that will help to protect the baby during the first months of their life while the baby’s own immune system is not sufficiently developed. It will therefore be appropriate at this stage to look at the vaccinations that are required of pregnant women both before and during their pregnancy.
Vaccinations: Comparison between Safety and Risk
In other words, not all vaccinations are good for women who have conceived. Generally, vaccinations can be of the following types; Live virus vaccination, deceased virus vaccination, and toxoids. These are inactivated toxins that have gone through chemical changes and have been extracted from microorganisms while still being harmless.
Due to the effects of hormones and the immune system being lowered during pregnancy it is advisable not to take vaccines with active viruses into pregnancy. For example, MMR, which is a virus used to prevent measles, mumps, and rubella contains active viruses and should not be accepted presently. Killed virus vaccines and toxoids do not pose any harm when taken by expectant women.
Before conceiving a child, which pregnancy vaccinations should be administered?
Specific vaccines are prohibited to given to pregnant women. Thus, one should take a blood test before conception to check the immunity level suggestion. It also emerges from the test that specific vaccines need to be given before a woman can get pregnant.
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Vaccine (MMR)
This vaccine is very important because it immunises you against three highly communicable diseases. In case an expectant woman catches any of these diseases, she is at a greater risk of suffering from miscarriage and premature labour. Rubella is another virus that comes with a havoc of higher risk factors for the newborn like mental disability and hearing impairment.
Vaccination against chickenpox
Since chickenpox is contracted during pregnancy, the woman is at a higher risk of either being born with congenital abnormalities or passing on the virus to the newborn. Hence, immunisation should be administered to persons who have not been infected with the chicken pox virus before. Kindly note that these vaccines cannot be administered in circumstances where the woman is pregnant with the next child.
To what vaccines are pregnant women advised to take?
Weakly reactogenic vaccines, namely live viruses, are not recommended once conception has occurred while for other non-live vaccines such as killed viruses or toxoids, there are no restrictions. Speak with your physician regarding the following vaccinations after you have conceived:
Influenza vaccine
This vaccine is very important particularly to pregnant women as it protects them against seasonal flu. When a pregnant woman is infected with a severe flu in the second half of pregnancy, then she undergoes serious complications. Avoid using the nasal aerosol while giving a vaccine since it has live viruses. Rather, use the injectable Influenza vaccine during the immunisation of the clients.
Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis vaccine
Also called the Tdap vaccine, it is especially important if it has been over 10 years since the prior booster shot. The third trimester of the pregnancy is most preferred for this vaccine even though it can be given at any time during pregnancy.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
The father has Hepatitis B, a viral disease that can be transmitted from the mother to the infant during birth affecting the maternal liver. Hence, to prevent as well as treat them one has to take proper measures. However, you need to be protected against this disease as well because, unlike some other diseases, hepatitis B symptoms do not announce themselves and it is hard to diagnose, so the hepatitis B vaccine is especially important.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
Some doctors may prescribe this vaccine to protect you and your baby from diseases that are caused by water or food that is contaminated by viruses. These diseases in general do not affect the child in the womb; though, they may complicate the pregnancy and even raise the incidence of premature labour.
Pneumococcal Vaccine
If you have other underlying diseases like diabetes or kidney disease you might need to take the pneumococcal vaccine because it helps to protect from all types of pneumonia.
COVID-19 Vaccine
If you have not yet received the COVID-19 vaccination, it is crucial to consult with your physician immediately, as it is crucial to schedule the administration of this vaccine. Maintain a minimum of 14 days between the COVID vaccination and any subsequent vaccinations.
There are numerous diseases that vaccines can protect you and your infant from, as well as simplify the process of pregnancy. Nevertheless, it is crucial to consult with your physician and adhere to their guidance, as each pregnancy is unique. It may be recommended that you receive additional vaccinations, contingent upon your medical history.
This blog offers general information and discussions regarding health and related topics. The information and other content contained in this blog, website, or any linked materials are not intended to be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should not be accepted as such. Please consult with your physician prior to initiating a new health regimen or medication. Ensure a Healthy Journey from Pre-Pregnancy to Post-Pregnancy with Diva Women’s Hospital. Our comprehensive vaccination services in Ahmedabad and expert care are designed to support you every step of the way. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step towards a healthier future for you and your baby.