Get these vaccines during and before pregnancy

Why is vaccination necessary during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, new changes occur in a woman's body every day. Most of the physical changes can be seen. These changes are naturally preparing the woman for childbirth. However, changes related to the immune system and brain functioning are not visible. Despite this, they can cause diseases.

Which vaccine should be administered and when?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pregnant women share everything with their children. For example, the child's body develops in the mother's body. This means that if the mother falls ill, it will also affect the child's health. If the mother is vaccinated, it will not only protect the woman, but the baby growing in her womb will also get initial protection.

For the good health of the child in the womb, it is important for the mother to be healthy beforehand. Therefore, vaccines are given to boost the immunity of the woman before pregnancy. During pregnancy, such vaccines are given which can provide protection to both the mother and the child. Whereas after pregnancy, the mother is mostly given such vaccines which could not be given during pregnancy.

Before pregnancy

Before conceiving, women and their families should ensure that they have taken the necessary vaccines to avoid problems during pregnancy. These vaccines are most effective when they are taken a month before pregnancy.

Let us understand the functions of all the vaccines.

MMR Vaccine

This vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Rubella is a viral infection that can cause severe birth defects, such as heart problems, hearing loss, and developmental problems.

Women who have not received the rubella vaccine should receive the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine at least one month before becoming pregnant. A blood test can determine if someone is immune to rubella or needs the vaccine. Getting vaccinated before pregnancy ensures the best protection for the baby.

Varicella Vaccine

Chickenpox can be dangerous during pregnancy, causing birth defects or low birth weight in the baby. Women who have never had chickenpox or been vaccinated should get the varicella vaccine before pregnancy. This vaccine is most effective when given at least one month before conception.

Tdap vaccine

Women who have not been given the Tdap vaccine within the last 10 years should get this vaccine before pregnancy. The Tdap vaccine protects against whooping cough (pertussis), which can be life threatening for newborns. The vaccine should be given before pregnancy to protect both mother and child.

Hepatitis B

According to the Office on Research of Women's Health, a child born to a mother suffering from hepatitis B has the highest risk of getting infected with the virus at birth. Therefore, definitely consult a doctor about hepatitis B tests and vaccines.

During pregnancy

Some vaccines are necessary during pregnancy to protect both the mother and the baby. These vaccines are usually given during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. This is so that the mother can pass more antibodies to her baby through the placenta. The placenta is a tube between the mother and the baby in the womb, which provides oxygen and nutrition to the womb for the baby's development.

Tdap vaccine

According to Dr. Priya Gupta, Tdap vaccine can be given during pregnancy between 27 to 36 weeks. It protects children from whooping cough i.e. pertussis. It can be fatal for newborns.

The antibodies obtained from the Tdap vaccine reach the baby through the placenta. This provides protection to the baby for the first months of life. The early days are very critical for babies. Therefore, if the mother has already taken the Tdap vaccine, then a shot should be taken during pregnancy as well.

Flu Vaccine

Having the flu during pregnancy increases the risk of complications such as pneumonia and premature delivery. Therefore, getting the vaccine during the flu season (October to April) can ensure protection for both mother and baby.

The flu vaccine is safe during pregnancy and reaches the baby through the placenta. It keeps the baby safe from flu even after birth. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), all pregnant women should get vaccinated during flu season.

After Delivery

Usually after delivery, most people focus on the child's health. Doctors and family are busy with the child's vaccination. While the mother also needs some vaccines for the safety of both mother and child. During this time, the mother is given all the vaccines that were missed during or before pregnancy. Usually these vaccines are given to women after pregnancy.