Important Pregnancy Vaccines that Mommies-to-be Should Get

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Important Pregnancy Vaccines that Mommies-to-be
Should Get
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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 newborns body up to 6
  months after their birth offering them protection
  from various infections.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 .

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References

• https//www.cordlifeindia.com/blog/important-pregn
  ancy-vaccines-mommies-get/
• https//www.cordlifeindia.com/blog/care-babys-umbi
  lical-stump/