Physiological Changes During Pregnancy
Pregnancy brings with it a host of physiological and immunological changes that significantly increase the risk and severity of certain infections. Vaccination during pregnancy is, therefore, the most effective way to protect both the mother and her baby from potentially serious diseases.
Some of the common physiological changes in pregnancy include:
- A two- to three-fold increase in the need for iron during pregnancy to support both maternal and fetal development.
- Alterations in the cardiovascular system due to increased blood volume and cardiac output.
- A decrease in blood pressure during the first and second trimesters.
- A gradual decline in the platelet count during a normal pregnancy.
Administering recommended vaccines during pregnancy, such as the whooping cough vaccine and the flu vaccine, helps safeguard against preventable diseases. These vaccines not only protect the mother but also provide passive immunity to the newborn in their early months of life when they are most vulnerable. Staying informed about the pregnancy vaccination schedule is an essential part of prenatal care for a healthy pregnancy and a safe start for the baby. Vaccination during pregnancy plays a crucial role in protecting both the mother and child from potentially harmful infections. Additionally, promoting vaccination awareness helps ensure that expectant mothers are well-informed about the importance of vaccinations in maintaining their health and the well-being of their baby.
Why Vaccination Matters During Pregnancy?
According to studies, immunization of the mother during pregnancy may lessen the risk of infectious diseases for both the mother and her infant. Mothers who have received vaccinations pass their offspring antibodies, which are the infection-fighting proteins. These antibodies provide immunity to the newborn in the initial years of life, while also protecting the mother against the risk of various diseases during her pregnancy.
Benefits of Vaccination During Pregnancy
Vaccinations During Pregnancy play a crucial role in protecting both the mother and the fetus from the risk of several life-threatening diseases. Here are some key advantages:
- Vaccinations strengthen a mother’s immune system, enabling her body to fight off major infectious diseases that could pose risks to both her and her unborn baby.
- Vaccinations not only provide direct protection for the mother and baby but also contribute to herd immunity. By receiving vaccines, pregnant women help create a barrier against infectious diseases, reducing the risk of exposure for others in their community.
- The antibodies generated during vaccination cross the placenta, providing the unborn child with early protection against serious infections during the first months of life when their immune system is still developing.
- COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy may help protect babies from COVID-19 by enabling the creation of protective antibodies in the mother.
- COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy can also potentially reduce the risk of stillbirths and preterm delivery, ensuring a healthier pregnancy outcome.
Staying informed about vaccinations, such as the whooping cough vaccine, flu vaccine, and COVID-19 vaccine, is an essential part of prenatal care. These vaccinations not only safeguard maternal health but also provide vital passive immunity to newborns. Vaccination awareness is key to ensuring the health and well-being of both mother and baby.
Vaccines Recommended During Pregnancy
Vaccines containing inactivated components of viruses or bacteria are considered safe to administer during pregnancy, whereas, vaccines containing live viruses or bacteria are avoided.
Vaccines that are recommended during pregnancy include:
- Flu Shot :
This is also called the influenza vaccine. It is recommended for pregnant women during flu season because studies show that getting the flu during pregnancy can be associated with serious complications. However, getting the influenza nasal spray vaccine is not recommended as it is formulated using a weakened but live virus. - Tetanus toxoid-containing Vaccines (Td and Tdap):
It is recommended that expectant mothers receive the Tetanus toxoid -containing vaccine (Td), first dose as soon as pregnancy is confirmed, preferably after 16 weeks of pregnancy. Tdap vaccine, which covers tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, is given between 27 to 36 weeks of pregnancy. This will protect both the mother and the unborn child from potential health issues. The Tdap vaccination increases the mother’s antibodies during pregnancy, which are then passed on to the growing foetus. - COVID-19 Vaccine
Pregnant women should receive the most recent COVID-19 vaccination, regardless of prior COVID-19 vaccination history. According to studies, there are no significant dangers associated with the vaccine for expectant mothers or their babies. It’s also recommended that pregnant women receive a booster shot if recommended by healthcare providers. - RSV Vaccine
RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is generally mild in healthy individuals but can be dangerous for infants under six months old. The vaccination for RSV is recommended between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, particularly during the winter season when the virus is more prevalent. However, approval of this vaccine is still awaited in India.
Vaccines To Avoid During Pregnancy
Since these vaccines contain live viruses, which can harm the health of the mother and the baby, the following vaccines are avoided during pregnancy.
- Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine
- Nasal flu
- vaccineVaricella (chicken pox) vaccine
- Yellow fever
However, it is advised to consult your gynaecologist before taking or skipping any vaccinations.
Consulting Your Healthcare Provider
During pregnancy, consulting healthcare providers about vaccines is crucial. They can help discuss the safety, benefits and vaccination schedule during pregnancy considering individual health factors.
The Final Takeaway
Vaccine shots during pregnancy not only help protect the mother from the clutches of serious diseases, but they also provide immunity to the child to fight against infections in the later phases of life. As we understand and appreciate the far-reaching benefits of vaccinations, take this pivotal step to safeguard you and your baby and ensure a healthier future for the next generation.
FAQs
For the benefit of both the mother and her child, certain vaccinations are safe and advised for women before, throughout, and after pregnancy. Additionally, vaccinations during pregnancy can prevent a mother from contracting a dangerous illness and passing it on to her newborn.
Vaccinations are recommended for pregnant women to protect them and their babies from serious health consequences. Vaccines containing toxoids and inactivated components are generally harmless. However, vaccines containing live viruses are not recommended due to their potential harm to the baby and the mother.
Like any medicine, vaccines can have side effects. But these side effects are usually mild and go away on their own. The side effects of vaccines that protect against the flu and tetanus can include symptoms such as fever and muscle aches. However, consult your doctor immediately if you notice any discomfort or prolonged side effects. It is to be noted that the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risk of adverse events caused by vaccines indicated in pregnancy.
References:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4962964/
- https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pregnancy/hcp-toolkit/important-maternal-vaccines.html
- https://www.hhs.gov/immunization/who-and-when/pregnant/index.html
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/vaccines-during-pregnancy/faq-20057799
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/vaccinations-during-pregnancy
- https://www.who.int/groups/global-advisory-committee-on-vaccine-safety/topics/pregnancy-and-lactation/vaccines
- https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/vaccinations/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7579415/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4928162/
- https://www.fogsi.org/wp-content/uploads/tog/TOG_6_Algorithm_booklet_Final.pdf
- https://www.fogsi.org/wp-content/uploads/committee-2020-activities/vol-6-endocrinology-committee-newsletter.pdf
