Vaccines For Pregnant Women​: Protect Yourself & Your Baby

Vaccination during pregnancy is one of the most effective ways to protect both the mother and the baby from serious infections. While pregnancy is a time of excitement and anticipation, it also increases vulnerability to certain diseases due to changes in the immune system. Vaccines help strengthen the immune system, offering protection to both the mother and the newborn during the crucial early months of life. This blog will explore why vaccination is essential during pregnancy, the recommended vaccines, and how they benefit both mothers and babies.

Importance of Vaccination During Pregnancy

Pregnancy causes natural changes in the immune system, heart, and lungs, making expectant mothers more prone to infections. Vaccination helps strengthen the mother's immunity, reducing the risk of severe illness and complications that could affect the baby.

Why Vaccination Matters

• Protects Against Severe Illness: Pregnant women are more susceptible to diseases like influenza, which can cause pneumonia, premature birth, and low birth weight.
• Transfers Immunity to the Baby: When a mother is vaccinated, the protective antibodies she produces are passed on to the baby through the placenta, offering immunity during the first few months after birth.
• Prevents Pregnancy Complications: Some infections, such as rubella or pertussis (whooping cough), can cause congenital disabilities, premature birth, or even miscarriage. Vaccination significantly lowers these risks.

Recommended Vaccines for Pregnant Women

Certain vaccines are highly recommended during pregnancy to protect both the mother and the baby from preventable diseases. Doctors advise the following vaccines:

Influenza (Flu) Vaccine

• Recommended for all pregnant women during any trimester.
• Protects against severe flu-related complications like pneumonia and hospitalisation.
• It also provides immunity to the newborn for the first six months after birth.

Tdap Vaccine (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis)

• Recommended between 27 to 36 weeks of pregnancy.
• It helps safeguard against whooping cough, an infection that can be extremely dangerous for newborns.
• Passes antibodies to the baby, offering protection until the baby can be vaccinated at two months of age.

COVID-19 Vaccine

• It is strongly recommended to prevent severe illness, hospitalisation, and pregnancy complications related to COVID-19.
• Protects the baby through transferred antibodies.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

• It is recommended for pregnant women at risk of Hepatitis B infection.
• Prevents transmission of the virus to the baby during birth.

RSV Vaccine (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

• Recommended during the third trimester.
• It helps protect newborns from severe respiratory infections caused by RSV.

How Vaccines Protect Newborns

Newborns have underdeveloped immune systems, making them highly vulnerable to infections. Vaccination during pregnancy helps protect the baby by passing protective antibodies through the placenta and breast milk.

Ways Vaccination Protects Newborns:

• Passive Immunity: Antibodies from the mother protect the baby until their immune system matures.
• Reduced Risk of Preterm Birth: Certain infections can trigger preterm labour, but vaccination helps prevent such complications.
• Prevention of Severe Illness: Babies are highly vulnerable to diseases like pertussis and influenza; maternal vaccination reduces the severity and likelihood of these infections.

Benefits and Safety of Vaccination

Vaccines are thoroughly tested and monitored for safety, especially for pregnant women and newborns. The benefits of vaccination during pregnancy far outweigh the potential risks.

• Prevents Serious Illness: Protects against life-threatening infections for both mother and baby.
• Enhances Newborn Immunity: Protects in the first months of life when the baby is most vulnerable.
• Safe for Pregnancy: Most vaccines advised during pregnancy have undergone thorough research and are safe for both the mother and her baby.

Safety Considerations:

• The flu shot and Tdap vaccine are safe and recommended for all pregnant women.
• Side effects are generally mild and short-lived, like soreness at the injection site or a slight fever.
• Examples of vaccines that contain live viruses and aren't recommended during pregnancy include:

Chickenpox vaccine, also called varicella vaccine.

Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Common Myths and Facts About Vaccination

Myth 1: Vaccines can harm the baby.

Fact: Most vaccines recommended during pregnancy are non-live and safe for the mother and the baby. They help protect the baby from dangerous infections after birth.

Myth 2: You don’t need vaccines if you had them before pregnancy.

Fact: Immunity from some vaccines (like the flu shot) decreases over time, so getting vaccinated during each pregnancy is essential.

Myth 3: The flu shot can cause the flu.

Fact: The flu vaccine is made from inactivated virus particles and cannot cause the flu. Mild side effects such as a sore arm or slight fever are normal.

Myth 4: Vaccines are unnecessary if you have a healthy pregnancy.

Fact: Even healthy pregnant women are at higher risk of complications from infections like the flu and whooping cough. Vaccination helps protect against these risks.

Myth 5: Natural immunity is better than vaccine-induced immunity.

Fact: Natural infection can be dangerous for both mother and baby. Vaccination provides a safer and more controlled way to develop immunity.

Conclusion

Vaccination during pregnancy is a crucial step in safeguarding maternal and newborn health. By following recommended vaccination schedules, pregnant women can protect themselves and their babies from serious diseases. If you have any questions or concerns about vaccination, consult with your healthcare provider for personalised advice. Protecting yourself means protecting your baby—take the step to ensure a healthy start for both of you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are vaccines safe during the first trimester of pregnancy?

Yes, some vaccines, like the flu shot, are safe at any stage of pregnancy. However, Tdap and RSV vaccines are recommended later in pregnancy for optimal antibody transfer.

Can vaccination cause miscarriage or birth defects?

No, studies have shown that vaccines like the flu shot and Tdap do not increase the risk of miscarriage or birth defects. They help prevent complications that could lead to pregnancy loss.

Do babies still need vaccinations if the mother was vaccinated during pregnancy?

Yes, maternal vaccination provides temporary immunity. Babies still need their routine vaccinations to develop long-term protection.

What should I do if I miss a recommended vaccine during pregnancy?

Speak with your doctor. Some vaccines can be given immediately after delivery to protect both the mother and the baby.

Can I get the COVID-19 and flu vaccine at the same time during pregnancy?

Yes, it is safe to get both vaccines together during pregnancy. Your doctor can guide you on the best timing.