Getting the news of getting pregnant is very exciting. More often than not, however, couples view it more as a blessing than a responsibility. Revere Health notes that every pregnant woman should talk to her doctor to understand which vaccines they need and establish whether to get the vaccines during pregnancy or after the baby is born.
It is essential to note that all vaccines have been tested and declared safe for use by the FDA and the CDC. However, before receiving any vaccines, ensure to consult your pregnancy doctor in West Jordan and highlight any allergies that you might have.
Having that said, here are some vaccines that help you take good care of yourself and your unborn child.
Whooping Cough Vaccine
According to research, at least 20 infants die every year in the U.S. as a result of pertussis, also known as whooping cough. Unfortunately, it is extremely hard to know if your baby has whooping cough as they do not cough. Instead, the disease halts the breathing system of the baby, and the baby turns blue.
As you can imagine, this is a very scary situation for any parent to be in. Therefore, getting the vaccine during pregnancy transfers some antibodies to your child, which gives them temporary but strong protection against whooping cough.
Influenza Vaccine
Pregnancy significantly changes a pregnant woman’s heart, lungs and immune functions, making them highly susceptible to the flu. Catching the flu increases the possibility of developing serious growth problems for the baby, which might result in premature labor and delivery.
Many pregnant women are also concerned about whether or not flu vaccines are safe to get during pregnancy. It is — as long as you get the flu shot and not the nasal spray kind. Moreover, it is not mandatory for women to get vaccinated for flu while pregnant, it just significantly reduces health risks and complications for both the mother and the child.
It is also important to note that since the flu virus slightly changes from one season to the next, ensure you get the latest vaccine according to the current season you are getting the shot.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
If you have tested positive for hepatitis B, there are high chances that your baby will be infected during delivery. As such, it is essential that you receive all the necessary shots at the recommended times by your doctor. In fact, even if the mother does not have the virus, experts recommend that all babies get vaccinated anyway.
All infants who get infected with hepatitis B have a 90% chance of getting chronic hepatitis B. Note that hepatitis B can lead to complications in the baby, such as liver cancer, liver damage and even premature death.
Your pregnancy doctor might recommend a few other vaccines after delivery. Postpartum vaccinations, for example, protect you from diseases and also help protect your baby by passing antibodies through breast milk. It is particularly essential for mothers who did not receive or complete their vaccination during pregnancy.
Pregnancy is indeed a wonderful thing for both the mother- and father-to-be. It is important, though, not to forget to view it as something to be 100% prepared for.
