Understanding the Importance of Vaccinations During Pregnancy

By /


Motherhood is one of the most celebrated and joyous milestones in a woman’s life. As soon as a woman finds out she is pregnant, the mere thought of holding her little one in her arms fills her with delight. Alongside this bountiful love, an expectant mother starts worrying about her baby’s health too. The maternal instinct to protect her child kicks in as soon as a woman realises she’s expecting. Taking holistic prenatal care, prioritising medications on time, and consuming a healthy diet are the measures an expecting mother takes. However, amidst these concerns, one might disregard or may not even be aware of the importance of vaccinations during pregnancy. In this article, we will discuss the significance of vaccination during pregnancy, the vaccination schedule, and how vaccines can help safeguard both the mother and the baby’s health and well-being.

Physiological Changes During Pregnancy

Pregnancy brings with it a host of physiological and immunological changes that raise the risk and severity of some infections. Vaccination is thus the most effective way to protect the mother and the baby. Some of the common physiological changes experienced by pregnant women are:

  • The need for iron increases two- to three-folds during pregnancy.
  • The cardiovascular system alters as a result of pregnancy.
  • In the first and second trimesters, blood pressure decreases.
  • During a normal pregnancy, the platelet count gradually declines.

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

Vaccines for pregnant women help protect both them and their foetus from the risk of several life-threatening diseases. Here are some of the advantages of vaccination during pregnancy.

  • Vaccines fortify a mother’s immune system, enabling her body to combat major infectious diseases that could endanger both her and the foetus.
  • Vaccinating during pregnancy not only provides direct protection to the mother and the baby but also contributes to herd immunity. By receiving vaccines, pregnant women help create a barrier against infectious diseases and reduce the risk of exposure to others.
  • In addition to protecting mothers, the antibodies that women create in response to vaccinations also assist across the placenta and shield their unborn children from dangerous infections at a young age.
    COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy might help protect babies against
  • COVID-19 due to the creation of antibodies in the mother.
  • COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy might also help prevent stillbirths and preterm delivery.

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 ​



1. Are vaccines safe during pregnancy?

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.



2. Can vaccines cause harm to the foetus?

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. 

 



3. Do vaccines have any side effects?

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:

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top