Pregnancy triggers many changes within the body, and it’s key to stay healthy during this crucial time for both mother and baby. These changes temporarily make the body more susceptible to illnesses, especially for the child in the womb. The best way to ensure you stay healthy through all stages is vaccination. It’s essential for new mothers to get vaccinated not only for themselves but also for the baby they’re carrying, as this provides early protection during a time when the baby is highly vulnerable in the first few months of life.
Why Pregnant Mothers Need Vaccines
The immune system naturally adapts during pregnancy to nurture the developing baby, but this adjustment can also make mothers more prone to complications from infectious diseases. Pregnant women can easily become sick with things like the common cold and the flu. Since it’s peak flu season, vaccination is essential right now. It helps strengthen the mother’s immunity, reducing the risk of illness.
Another reason for vaccination is passive immunity, where the mother transfers protective antibodies to the baby. This helps strengthen the baby’s immune system early on, giving them a head start in fighting off infections.
Diseases Prevented by Vaccination During Pregnancy
There are several vaccines recommended for pregnant women, all of which can help protect against life-threatening illnesses.
1. Influenza (Flu) Vaccine
● Why it’s important: Pregnant women are more likely to experience severe complications from the flu, including pneumonia, hospitalization, and preterm birth.
● Benefit to the baby: The flu vaccine protects the newborn from influenza in the first few months of life when they are too young to receive their vaccination.
2. Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) Vaccine
● Why it’s important: Pertussis (whooping cough) is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can be life-threatening for newborns.
● Benefit to the baby: The antibodies passed from the mother protect against whooping cough before the infant can get vaccinated at two months old.
3. COVID-19 Vaccine
● Why it’s important: COVID-19 can lead to severe illness in pregnant women, increasing the risk of preterm birth and other complications.
● Benefit to the baby: Babies born to vaccinated mothers may have some protection against COVID-19 in their early months.
4. RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) Vaccine
● Why it’s important: RSV can cause severe respiratory illness in infants, including bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
● Benefit to the baby: RSV vaccination during pregnancy helps reduce the risk of severe RSV infection in newborns.
Vaccines After Pregnancy
After pregnancy, certain vaccines may be recommended. Breastfeeding mothers can also pass some antibodies to their babies through breast milk. Postpartum vaccination is particularly important for those who did not receive specific vaccines before or during pregnancy.
Addressing Concerns About Vaccination During Pregnancy
Some pregnant women may worry about vaccine safety. However, it’s important to note that there has been extensive research that confirms vaccination during pregnancy is safe. If you have concerns, discussing them with your healthcare provider can help you make an informed decision.
Next Steps
Vaccines are one of the best tools available to help pregnant women as their bodies go through changes. Scheduling an appointment to receive vaccines such as the flu, Tdap, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines can reduce health risks and pass on vital immunity to newborns. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, the first step is to understand what your body needs by talking to your healthcare provider. Making a call is a simple yet important step in giving yourself and your newborn a head start in building protection for the exciting years ahead.
Sources:
CDC: Vaccine Recommendations Before, During, and After Pregnancy
Mayo Clinic: Pregnancy week by week
National Library of Medicine: The Immune System in Pregnancy: A Unique Complexity
