Vaccination that prevents harmful conditions such as an infection is an important part of pregnancy care. Both you and your baby will remain safe after vaccination until the delivery of the baby and the time he/she is to receive vaccination.

Five safe vaccines to take during pregnancy:

Flu vaccine:

During the middle of the pregnancy, flu might cause complications like pneumonia. Flu if at a medium level of severity may cause fever, headache, muscular pain, sore throat and cough. In general, these serious symptoms begin to disappear within four days of infection while cough and weakness may last for two weeks or even longer.

Tetanus/ diphtheria/ pertussis vaccine (Tdap):

This combination of vaccine can be taken at anytime during the pregnancy. However, it is good to take this within 27-36 weeks of pregnancy. Belonging to toxoids, this vaccine is safe.

Tetanus is also called lockjaw that causes painful eclampsia in muscles and affects central nervous system. Bacteria that cause tetanus are found in animal waste and soil. If any part of a human body gets a cut, it enters the blood flow. If you have any deep wound wherein there is dirt, go to the doctor immediately. Tetanus during pregnancy may lead to the death of the baby.

Diphtheria is an infectious disease that occurs in the respiratory system. It may cause paralysis, coma and even death.

Pertussis is a disease caused by bacteria. It causes gradual, violent cough. Cough if heard too loudly is called “Whooping Cough”.

Hepatitis B vaccine:

It is a viral, infectious disease that may cause liver pain, nausea, tiredness and jaundice. In some cases, it may lead to liver disease, cancer and even death. If a pregnant woman is affected by it during pregnancy, the infection may affect her baby too after delivery. If it is left untreated or treated poorly, the baby when he/she will grow up has a likelihood of getting affected by serious liver disease. According to CCD, every pregnant mother should check to know if they have Hepatitis B. Vaccine for this is safe for pregnant women.

Hepatitis A vaccine:

It spreads through infected water and foods. Primary symptoms include fever and nausea. Vaccine for Hepatitis A prevents such liver diseases. While it is not as dangerous as Hepatitis B, it may, in rare cases, cause premature labor pain and infection to the new born baby.

Pneumococcal vaccine:

If you have any chronic disease like kidney problems or diabetes, your doctor may suggest that you take pneumococcal vaccine that will provide safety against various types of pneumonia. It is yet to be known what effects it may have on the baby inside, but researchers believe that this pose little risk.

If you become pregnant or anyone close to you becomes pregnant, ensure that the above vaccines are taken timely and properly. Thus, the mother and the baby yet to arrive will stay safe.

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