Maternal vaccines help in preventing serious infections like the ones above. If you have more questions regarding the right vaccination for you, please consult your gynecologist. Visit, https://www.cordlifeindia.com/blog/important-pregnancy-vaccines-mommies-get/
2. INTRODUCTION
During pregnancy, your body undergoes a lot of
immunological changes that leave you and the baby
in your womb susceptible to certain infectious
diseases. These infections are responsible for
morbidity and mortality in mothers, neonatal and
even infants. Since the immune systems of neonatal
and preemies are not fully developed, they are at a
greater risk of contracting these deadly infections.
Therefore, mommies-to-be must be vaccinated
before and during the gestation period. This helps in
mother-to-fetus transfer of antibodies through the
placenta. These life-saving antibodies stay in the
newborn’s body up to 6 months after their birth
offering them protection from various infections.
3. WHAT VACCINATIONS SHOULD YOU GET DURING PREGNANCY?
The most important thing to keep in mind while getting a
maternal vaccination is ensuring its safety. It is crucial to
consult your doctor before you go and get yourself
vaccinated. Most gynecologists recommend pregnant
women to get the following vaccines as they are essential
and safe:
Tetanus Vaccine: Clostridium tetani bacteria can enter
your body through small cuts or wounds triggering a
life-threatening infection called Tetanus or Lockjaw.
These bacteria produce toxins that cause serious health
problems like cramping of the jaw, making it
impossible to swallow or breathe. An unhealed
umbilical stump can also cause neonatal tetanus in
newborns. You can avoid this by getting the first dose
of tetanus vaccine within 4 weeks after your pregnancy
is confirmed.
4. WHAT VACCINATIONS SHOULD YOU GET DURING PREGNANCY?
Hepatitis A Vaccine: This highly contagious liver
disease is caused by the ingestion of contaminated
food or water. The Hepatitis A virus is a waterborne
pathogen that can create complications during
pregnancy like preterm delivery, placenta abruptions,
premature rupture of membranes, and premature
uterine contractions. It may not be fatal, but if
detected, can cause a lot of distress. Getting a
Hepatitis A vaccine is the best way to gain
protection against this virus.
5. WHAT VACCINATIONS SHOULD YOU GET DURING PREGNANCY?
Hepatitis B Vaccine: Like Hepatitis A, this disease too
primarily affects the liver. It is caused by the Hepatitis B
Virus (HBV) and has a higher risk of mother-to-fetus
transmission. According to studies, 90% of infected
mothers transmit HBV infection to their babies. Babies
affected by this virus have a 90% chance of developing
a chronic, lifelong liver infection such as liver damage,
liver cancer, etc. It is advised that you and your family
members get tested for HBV as soon as possible as the
infection can spread easily through blood, semen or
other bodily fluids. As a part of preventive care, you
should get the Hepatitis B vaccine if you have never
received one as a child.
6. WHAT VACCINATIONS SHOULD YOU GET DURING PREGNANCY?
Influenza Vaccine: The common flu may not
sound as alarming but can cause severe
complications in pregnant women. It is an air-
borne illness that puts both the mother and
unborn child at a high risk of severe infection.
Since the immune systems of expectant moms
are compromised, contracting influenza can
lead to preterm labour and even fatality.
Getting an inactivated influenza vaccine early
on during pregnancy can help protect yourself
and your little one.
7. WHAT VACCINATIONS SHOULD YOU GET DURING PREGNANCY?
Whooping Cough Vaccine: This is an
extremely serious infection in newborns that
can require hospitalization. If untreated, it can
also be life-threatening. As newborns are too
young to be vaccinated against this disease, it is
recommended that moms-to-be get vaccinated
so that the antibodies can be passed on to the
baby in the womb.
8. WHAT VACCINATIONS SHOULD YOU GET AFTER DELIVERY?
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine: These
diseases are highly contagious and can spread to a
newborn through coughing, sneezing or close contact. If
the mother develops one of these diseases, it is highly
possible that the baby may contract it too. It can cause
serious health problems in infants and young children.
Hence, you must get an MMR vaccine soon after your
delivery.
Chickenpox Vaccine: Like MMR, this too is a highly
contagious disease that causes blister-like outbreaks
throughout the body. It is caused by the varicella-zoster
virus and can be dangerous if spread to a newborn. If
you have never had a chickenpox vaccine and have
delivered a baby, then you should consider getting
yourself immunized to this disease.
9. CONCLUSION
If you are getting a vaccine during or after the
pregnancy, you may experience mild side-effects like
soreness, pain or swelling. This usually occurs around
the vaccinated area. You may even have a slight fever or
muscle-ache after receiving the vaccine. However, this
is temporary and will go away on their own.
Maternal vaccines help in preventing serious infections
like the ones above. If you have more questions
regarding the right vaccination for you, please consult
your gynecologist.
10. ABOUT CORDLIFEINDIA
CordlifeIndia provides services like umbilical cord stem cell benefits, stem cell
preservation.
CordlifeIndia is a consumer healthcare company catering to the mother and child
segment.
We provide reliable healthcare solutions through innovation, technological advancement
and commitment to quality .