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Pregnancy is a unique period in a woman’s life that requires special care for the health of both mother and child.
One of the important aspects of health care during pregnancy are vaccinations. What vaccines can be safely administered during pregnancy and why are they so important? Here is the most important information on this topic.
Vaccinations during pregnancy – current guidelines
The decision to vaccinate during pregnancy should be made in cooperation with the attending physician. Current medical guidelines recommend that some vaccines be given to pregnant women because of the potential health benefits to both the mother and the developing fetus. However, not all vaccines are recommended during pregnancy, so it is important to consult your doctor to determine which ones are appropriate for you.
What vaccines can be safely administered during pregnancy?
There are vaccines that are safe and effective during pregnancy. One example is the flu vaccination. Influenza can lead to serious complications in pregnant women, so vaccination against it is recommended, especially during flu season.
Another important vaccination during pregnancy is the whooping cough vaccination. Whooping cough can be dangerous for both the mother and the newborn, so it is recommended to administer the TDAP vaccination (against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis) in the third trimester of pregnancy.
Covid-19 vaccination and pregnancy
One of the most important topics in recent years is vaccination against COVID-19. Many pregnant women wonder if they can get vaccinated during pregnancy. According to many experts, vaccination against COVID-19 is safe and effective for pregnant women. Protection against the virus can help avoid severe disease.
However, before deciding to vaccinate against COVID-19 during pregnancy, it is worth consulting your doctor and discussing any doubts and possible risks.
Flu vaccination during pregnancy
Flu vaccination is especially important during pregnancy because pregnant women are at greater risk of flu-related complications. The vaccination can be administered in any trimester of pregnancy, without worrying about the safety of the mother and child. Protecting yourself against the flu can help you avoid serious complications.
Whooping cough vaccination during pregnancy
Pertussis vaccination (part of the TDAP vaccination) is recommended in the third trimester of pregnancy. Whooping cough can be dangerous to newborns, so vaccinating the mother can help protect the baby in the first months of life when it is not yet fully vaccinated.
What vaccinations should be done before a planned pregnancy?
If you are planning a pregnancy, there are several vaccinations that are worth doing before getting pregnant. These include vaccination against rubella, which is particularly important because infection during pregnancy may lead to developmental defects in the child. Vaccination against chickenpox and mumps may also be recommended in some cases.
Your suggestions
It is worth remembering that each pregnancy is different, so the final decision about vaccination should be made in cooperation with your doctor. He or she will best assess the risks and benefits of administering vaccines in a given case.
Recommended articles
If you are interested in more information about vaccinations during pregnancy, we recommend reading articles on this topic that can be found on the websites of renowned medical institutions and organizations dealing with maternal and child health.
Remember that vaccinations during pregnancy can help protect both you and your baby against serious diseases. Therefore, it is important to make decisions based on current medical guidelines and consultation with your doctor.