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Importance of Vaccinations During Pregnancy
When you’re pregnant, your body goes through a lot of changes, including changes to your immune system. This can increase your susceptibility to certain infections. Here’s why vaccinations are so important:- Dual protection: Vaccines shield you from preventable diseases like tetanus or flu and pass antibodies to your baby through the placenta.
- Preventing serious complications: Infections like whooping cough or influenza can lead to severe issues, such as premature birth or low birth weight. Vaccines reduce these risks.
- Aligning with India’s health goals: The Indian government and organisations like the WHO recommend certain vaccines during pregnancy to keep parents and babies healthy.
Recommended Vaccines During Pregnancy
In India, doctors recommend three key vaccinations during pregnancy:Tetanus Toxoid (TT)
Tetanus is a serious bacterial infection that can be life-threatening for you and your baby. Newborns are especially at risk of neonatal tetanus, which can happen from unhygienic deliveries or unsterilised tools. That’s why the TT vaccine is such a crucial part of prenatal care in India.If you’ve never been vaccinated or your status is unclear, you’ll need two doses of TT during pregnancy (spaced at least 28 days apart). The second dose should be given at least four weeks before delivery. If your last pregnancy was within three years, a single booster dose is enough.
The TT vaccination during pregnancy is thoroughly tested and safe for use, aligning with India’s National Immunization Schedule.
Tdap Vaccine
The Tdap vaccine in pregnancy protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). It’s especially important because whooping cough can be very dangerous for newborns.
Pertussis can cause severe coughing in infants, sometimes leading to breathing difficulties. When you get Tdap during pregnancy, your body passes antibodies to your baby and protects them until they can be vaccinated at two months.
Doctors recommend getting this vaccine between 27 and 36 weeks of pregnancy for optimal antibody transfer. It is advised for every pregnancy, even if you’ve had it before.
Tdap can even replace your second TT dose and give you triple protection in a single shot.
Influenza Vaccine
The flu might seem like a small illness, but it can lead to serious complications like pneumonia or hospitalisation. That’s why the influenza vaccine is a must to keep you and your baby safe.Pregnant people are more likely to have severe flu, which can also increase the chances of preterm birth or low birth weight. The good news is that the vaccine is safe at any stage of pregnancy. It even passes protective antibodies to your baby for the first six months.
It’s an inactivated vaccine, meaning it’s completely safe for you and your baby. Talk to your doctor to confirm the best time to get your flu shot if you’re in the first trimester.
Other Vaccines to Consider: Hepatitis B and RSV
While TT, Tdap, and the flu shot are the main vaccines during pregnancy, there are a couple more that your doctor might suggest in certain situations:- Hepatitis B vaccine: If you’re at risk of hepatitis B, this vaccine is advised to prevent transmission to your baby during birth.
- RSV vaccine: Usually given in the third trimester, this one protects your newborn from serious lung infections caused by the respiratory syncytial virus.
Vaccination and Pregnancy: Busting Common Myths
There are many myths about vaccines during pregnancy that can cause confusion.Let’s clear up a few:
- Myth: Vaccines can harm my baby.Fact:Recommended vaccines like Tdap and Influenza are safe. They actually protect your baby by passing on immunity.
- Myth: I don’t need vaccines if I had them before pregnancy.Fact: Immunity from vaccines like the flu shot can fade, and Tdap is needed in every pregnancy for newborn protection.
- Myth: The flu shot gives you the flu.Fact: The flu vaccine is inactivated and cannot cause the flu. Any mild symptoms are just your immune system responding.
- Myth: Vaccines aren’t needed if I’m healthy.Fact: Even healthy pregnant individuals are at higher risk of complications from infections like flu or pertussis.
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FAQs on Vaccination and Pregnancy: Important Vaccines You Must Not Miss
- Will vaccination affect my labour or delivery?
No, vaccines recommended during pregnancy do not affect labour or delivery. They are designed to keep you and your baby safe without interfering with childbirth. - Can I take multiple vaccines at the same time while pregnant?
Yes, you can often get more than one vaccine in the same visit if your doctor advises it.