The Tdap vaccine is a combination vaccine that prevents tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). In the context of pregnancy, this vaccine is given not only to protect the mother but also to provide early protection to the baby, who is not yet able to receive immunization. Antibodies from the mother are passed to the baby through the placenta, providing the baby with immunity at birth.
During pregnancy, maintaining the health of both mother and baby is a top priority. One of the recommended preventive measures in obstetrics is the Tdap vaccine. This vaccine plays a crucial role in protecting babies from birth from serious, potentially life-threatening diseases.
Is the Tdap Vaccine Safe During Pregnancy?
The Tdap vaccine is safe to administer during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. The Tdap vaccine actually helps protect babies from birth, especially against whooping cough, which can cause serious respiratory problems in newborns. This vaccine works by helping the mother's body produce antibodies, which are then passed to the baby through the placenta.
Why is the Tdap Vaccine Important?
Babies infected with pertussis/whooping cough can experience serious respiratory problems and are at high risk of complications. With the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy, this risk can be significantly reduced.
This vaccine is an effective early protection measure before the baby receives the complete immunization schedule.
What Can Happen If You Don't Get the Tdap Vaccine During Pregnancy?
The Tdap vaccine is given to pregnant women to protect the mother and, especially, the baby from whooping cough (a severe, long-term cough), tetanus, and diphtheria. If this vaccine is not given during pregnancy, there are several potential consequences.
1. Babies Have No Protection Since Birth
Newborns cannot receive the full vaccine right away. Without the Tdap vaccine given to the mother during pregnancy, protective antibodies are not transferred to the fetus. As a result, the baby is born without initial protection against whooping cough, which can be extremely dangerous in early childhood.
2. The risk of whooping cough is higher in infants.
Whooping cough in babies often doesn't start with a normal cough. Babies may experience:
- Persistent cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Pause in breathing
- Difficulty breastfeeding
This condition is high risk because the baby's respiratory system is still very vulnerable.
3. Babies are more resilient to intensive care.
Without the protection of the mother's Tdap vaccine, whooping cough infection in infants can progress rapidly and require intensive hospitalization. This naturally places a physical and emotional burden on families.
4. Pregnant women remain at risk of infection.
The Tdap vaccine also protects the mother. If the mother is not vaccinated, she remains at risk of contracting diseases like whooping cough. When the mother is sick, transmission to the baby after birth is more likely.
5. Baby Protection Becomes Delayed
The whooping cough vaccine for infants begins at a certain age. Without the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy, there's a gap in the baby's protection, especially in the early months of life.
Why is the Tdap vaccine given during pregnancy?
The Tdap vaccine helps the mother's body produce antibodies, which are then passed to the fetus through the placenta. This protection is especially important in the early stages of a baby's life, when their immune system is not yet fully developed.
The Tdap vaccine is an essential part of prenatal care. It helps protect the mother and provides early protection for the baby from birth. Don't hesitate to consult your doctor or midwife about the Tdap vaccine schedule during pregnancy. This simple step can provide significant protection for the health of both mother and baby.
This article was written by Dr. Lisa Puspadewi Susanto, Sp.OG, FICS (Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist at EMC Alam Sutera Hospital).