Taking Vaccinations While Pregnant
Vaccinations are an important part of normal healthcare and help prevent a number of diseases, such as the flu, hepatitis, and chickenpox. When you are pregnant, these vaccines protect you and your baby. However, it is important to keep in mind some vaccines need to be received before pregnancy, while other vaccines are safe to take during pregnancy. Before receiving any vaccinations while pregnant, you should know which vaccinations you have already.
In order to do this, you can use your school immunization records, as well as shot records from any clinics, pharmacies, or healthcare providers where you may have received immunizations.
In addition, if you plan to travel abroad, it is important to check with your healthcare provider to see which, if any, vaccinations you may need for that country, and which are safe to receive during pregnancy.
Vaccination Before Pregnancy
MMR–most individuals in America are vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella as children. However, if you have not received this vaccination, it is important to do so, as rubella particularly can cause serious, life-long complications for the baby.
It is recommended you receive the rubella vaccination at least one month before trying to become pregnant. TDap–the TDap vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough (pertussis). This vaccine can be used either before pregnancy or after the 20th week of pregnancy.
Varicella–also known as chickenpox, varicella is a common childhood illness that, if contracted during pregnancy, can cause birth defects or complications with the pregnancy. As with MMR, this vaccine should be received at least one month in advance of attempting to become pregnant.
Vaccination During Your Pregnancy
Hepatitis B –Hep B is a serious liver disease that is spread through exposure to infected blood or bodily fluids. Mothers who have been diagnosed with hepatitis B are at high risk of passing the virus on to the baby. This vaccination will protect the baby from becoming infected.
Flu – The flu vaccine is safe to receive at any point during pregnancy and is highly recommended during flu season (October-May). It is important to receive the inactive form of the virus (through a shot) rather than the live form (a nasal spray).
Vaccinations at a Glance
|
Vaccine |
Before Pregnancy |
During Pregnancy |
After Pregnancy |
|
MMR |
X |
X |
|
|
TDap |
X |
X |
X |
|
Varicella |
X |
X |
|
|
Hepatitis B |
X |
X |
X |
|
Flu |
X |
X |
X |
Vaccines and Autism
Several years ago, a study was published that claimed the MMR vaccine caused autism in children. Since then, numerous private and government health agencies have attempted to recreate this study and achieved no results.
The consensus reached by the medical community is there is no link between this vaccination and the onset of autism.
It has been concluded that it is not only safe to immunize your child using the MMR vaccine, but also it is highly recommended by the majority of medical health professionals. Failing to do so can result in serious health repercussions for your baby.
Many women still fear the relationship between vaccines and autism, but yet have strong desires to protect their children. They wrestle with getting vaccinated, avoiding vaccinations, or delaying vaccinations to a later date.
It is important you look at the research and learn what is best for you and your baby. You will feel better about your decision, the more information you have.
Compiled from the Following Sources
Autism and Vaccines. (n.d.). Retrieved August 11, 2014, from https://www.autismsciencefoundation.org/autismandvaccines.html
Concerns about Autism. (2014, March 26). Retrieved August 11, 2014, from https://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/concerns/autism/
Harms, R. (2014, March 11). Vaccinations during Pregnancy: Are they safe? Retrieved August 11, 2014, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/vaccines-during-pregnancy/faq-20057799
Pregnant | Vaccines.gov. (n.d.). Retrieved August 11, 2014.
Vaccines for Pregnant Women. (2013, August 23). Retrieved August 11, 2014, from https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults/rec-vac/pregnant.html
Vaccinations during Pregnancy. (2013, February 1). Retrieved August 11, 2014, from https://www.marchofdimes.org
