Are you a pregnant woman or planning to become pregnant?
Then it is essential to ask your doctor whether your vaccinations against the various infections that we suffer in our daily life, are up to date.
During pregnancy, these infections can harm your developing baby, so it is essential to get necessary vaccinations.
Remember, however, that only some vaccinations are safe in pregnancy; contact your healthcare provider to find out all about the required vaccinations.
Is it safe to get vaccinations during pregnancy?
Each and every vaccine is tested for its safety under the management of FDA. Each vaccine is tested for its potency, safety and purity.
Some people, however, are allergic to some ingredients in the vaccine like eggs in an influenza vaccine. Those women should not get the vaccination until they talk to their practitioner.
Is there any harm for your unborn baby?
Various vaccines, particularly live virus vaccinations, should not be received by pregnant women because these can harm your unborn baby.
There are some vaccines that are administered to you during second or third trimester pregnancy, whereas some other vaccines should only be received at least three months before or directly after the delivery.
What are the required vaccinations during pregnancy?
Influenza: Receiving this vaccine during pregnancy can protect you from serious illnesses. All pregnant women during their second or third trimester in the flu season should receive this vaccine.
If there are any serious medical complications that increase the risk of having virus-related conditions, you can receive the vaccination at any time of pregnancy. Talk to your doctor to find out whether it applies to you or not.
Hepatitis B: Women who are pregnant and at threat of this disease and have tested for the virus can get this vaccination. This vaccine protects you and your baby against the infection both before and after the delivery.
You need to get a series of three dosages in order to get immunity. You need to get second and third doses one and six months after receiving the first dose.
Tetanus or diphtheria: These vaccinations are regularly recommended for every pregnant woman, but only for those who have not been vaccinated and those who have not obtained a shot since 10 years.
What vaccinations should a pregnant woman avoid?
There are some vaccines that can be transmitted to your unborn baby and lead to miscarriage, birth defects and premature birth.
Hepatitis A: Until now the safety of this vaccination is not determined, so it should be avoided during pregnancy. Pregnant women who are at a great threat for this virus should discuss the benefits and risks with their doctor.
MMR: If you receive these vaccinations, you should wait for at least one month before planning for pregnancy. These vaccinations contain live viruses and they can harm your baby.
Pneumococcal: The safety of this vaccination is still unknown, so it should not be given to pregnant women.
Varicella: This vaccination is used to avoid the threat of chicken pox and you should receive this vaccination one month before planning for pregnancy.
If you notice any severe side-effects after receiving the vaccinations, immediately inform your healthcare provider.
The most common side-effects that can occur are headaches, fatigue, soreness or swelling at the injected area, light fever, pain, stiffness of the joints and slight discomfort.
