Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful phases of a woman’s life. It is also a phase that requires many precautions as well. When a woman is pregnant, she not only has to keep in mind her health; but also make sure that she does what is best for her child. Every step that she takes has to be made keeping in mind the well-being of her unborn.
There are certain precautionary measures that a woman can take before and during her pregnancy. One such way to is to opt for certain vaccines. Before getting any of the vaccines mentioned in this article, please make sure that you speak to your doctor first. Also, get a blood test done to ensure that you are safe and take the vaccines recommended for you as per the results. Nevertheless, we have mentioned some of the different recommended vaccines that should be taken before and during the pregnancy.
Before the pregnancy
Chicken Pox
This vaccine should be taken before you decide to get pregnant and not during the pregnancy. This is because there is a live virus that is present in the vaccine, which is not safe for pregnant woman. If you are planning to have a baby, inform your doctor about it and take the necessary advice. You should also let your doctor know if you have had chicken pox in the past or not. Before that, it is also advisable to get a blood test done to check if you are immune to it or not.
Mumps, Measles, and Rubella
Amongst these three diseases, Rubella is the one that can be a major concern. This is because your baby could be born with certain defects due to the German measles. On the other hand, there is a high chance of a miscarriage just in case you get a mumps infection. Pregnant women who end up getting measles pose a risk of delivering a child that may be very thin or a premature.
Hepatitis B
Women who pose a high risk of getting the Hepatitis B infection should definitely take this vaccine. This is also advisable for those women who have been sexually active with multiple sex partners especially in the past 6 months before deciding to get pregnant. The worst thing about this disease is that it can affect the baby and even be passed down to him/her.
HPV
The HPV virus AKA human papillomavirus is one of the major reasons why a woman may develop genital warts and cervical cancer. With the help of this vaccination, you can take the necessary precautionary measure of developing such problems. It is advisable to take this vaccine either before your pregnancy or after it. Pregnant women should never take this vaccine since it can harm the fetus, which can also end up in a miscarriage or some kind of problem at birth.
Vaccinations during Pregnancy
The Flu shot or Influenza Vaccine
During your pregnancy, you have to make sure that you take care of your health. Even something as simple as flue can pose a risk. Given the fact that during the pregnancy the immune system of the woman is compromised in many ways, the flu shot can definitely help. It is also important to take this if you have any chronic condition or if you are prone to seasonal allergies.
DTaP or Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis Vaccines
When you are between the 27th and 36th week of your pregnancy, make it a point to take the DTaP vaccine. This will help to safeguard you against problems like whooping caught, diphtheria and tetanus as well. It will also help to protect the baby from developing any of health issues if they are exposed to such kind of diseases when it is in the mother’s womb.
Hepatitis A
For women suffering from liver problems, it is necessary that they take the Hepatitis A vaccine. Speak to your doctor to find out when you can take this shot. If need also goes ahead and get a blood work done to check if you are exposed to this virus in any way.
