Pregnancy is a journey full of hope, and every expectant mother naturally wants the best for her baby. One important step to ensure optimal health from the moment she conceives is through vaccinations during pregnancy . Vaccinations not only protect the mother but also provide an early "shield" for the developing baby in the womb.
Why Do Pregnant Women Need Vaccines?
During pregnancy, a mother's immune system tends to weaken, increasing the risk of infection. If the mother falls ill, the fetus can experience the immediate impact. Vaccination provides additional protection for the mother, while the antibodies produced are transferred to the baby through the placenta. This is called passive protection , a valuable form of early immunity for the baby until he or she is strong enough to receive vaccines after birth.
Recommended Vaccines for Pregnant Women
Several vaccines are considered safe and very important to be given during pregnancy, including:
1. Influenza vaccine
- Given in any trimester.
- Protects the mother from the risk of severe influenza which can cause complications in the fetus.
- Babies are also protected from influenza during the first few months of life.
2. Tdap vaccine (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
- Recommended for every pregnancy, ideally at 27–36 weeks or the third trimester.
- Protects babies from tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough (pertussis) , dangerous diseases that can cause severe shortness of breath in newborns.
3. RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) Vaccine
- Recommended to prevent RSV infection, a major cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants.
- Usually given in the third trimester, according to the doctor's evaluation.
- The antibodies produced help protect babies from the risk of severe RSV infection in the first months of life, a period when babies are very vulnerable and do not yet have strong immunity.
How Do Vaccines Protect Babies?
Newborns are not yet able to receive certain vaccines, making them vulnerable to infections. This is where maternal vaccines play a crucial role. The antibodies transferred from the mother help the baby:
- Have body defenses from day one.
- Reduces the risk of hospitalization due to serious infections.
- Get protection until he gets the complete vaccination schedule.
Are Vaccines Safe for Mother and Fetus?
Vaccines recommended during pregnancy are safe , have undergone extensive research, and are widely used worldwide. Side effects are generally mild, such as pain at the injection site or a mild fever. An obstetrician will thoroughly assess the mother's condition before administering the vaccine.
Vaccinating pregnant women is a crucial health investment not only for the mother but also for her developing baby. Vaccination provides protection from the time the baby is still in the womb, ensuring that the baby is born with a strong immune system.
If you're planning a pregnancy or are pregnant, don't hesitate to consult your obstetrician/gynecologist about your vaccine needs. Prevention starts with small steps that can have a big impact on your baby.
Article written by Dr. Handojo Tjandra, MD., MMed O&G (M'Sia)., Sp.OG (Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist, EMC Alam Sutera Hospital).