Vaccines during pregnancy protect the mother and the baby

Pregnancy is a vulnerable time for a mother and baby. Ensuring you have all the recommended vaccines during pregnancy is critical to protecting yourself and your baby. Our San Antonio OBGYNS explain that some vaccinations should take place before becoming pregnant, while others are given during pregnancy.

Some vaccines are needed before becoming pregnant

Before becoming pregnant, talk with your OBGYN about your vaccine history. If you do not have access to your vaccine history, your doctor can do a blood test to check the antibody levels in your body. The results indicate whether your body is ready to fight serious diseases, such as chickenpox, rubella and hepatitis B. Being vaccinated is a priority because contracting these diseases during pregnancy can cause serious, lifelong health problems for the baby.

Your doctor will advise you if you need vaccinations prior to becoming pregnant. If you need the rubella vaccination, it is essential to wait one month after receiving the vaccine before trying to become pregnant.

Plan for these vaccines during pregnancy

Recommended vaccines for pregnant women include flu, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), whooping cough (pertussis), and COVID-19. In addition to keeping the mother and baby healthy during pregnancy, these vaccines protect the baby for up to six months after birth.

Pregnant women and newborns have weak immune systems and are more susceptible to becoming sick. In these vulnerable groups, illnesses can progress quickly, leading to complications and hospitalization. Vaccinations are the most effective way to prevent these illnesses.

The protective antibodies your body creates from vaccinations pass to the baby. These antibodies will help keep the baby healthy until he or she is old enough to receive vaccines.

The right time for vaccines

It is important that you receive vaccines during pregnancy at the right time. Your OBGYN can help you time your vaccinations properly.

Whooping cough – between 27 and 36 weeks of pregnancy
RSV – during RSV season (September through January in most areas), between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy
Flu – before flu season, typically in September or October, and can be given any time during pregnancy
COVID-19 – any time in pregnancy

Are vaccines for pregnant women safe?

Getting recommended vaccines during pregnancy is safe for you and your baby. They will not make you sick or harm your baby. Any side effects you might experience are the same as those you would have when you are not pregnant. Potential short-lived side effects include redness, swelling and soreness at the injection site; muscle aches; fever; and tiredness.

In addition to vaccines for pregnant women, it is also necessary for others who will be around the baby to be vaccinated. This includes grandparents, siblings and caregivers.

Our San Antonio OBGYNs’ goal is for you to have the best possible pregnancy. Following the recommended vaccination schedule is critical to keeping yourself and your baby healthy.

Pelvic Support Problems (POP)

No more secrets – let’s talk about pelvic support problems

Even though many women develop pelvic organ prolapse, or POP, some don’t talk about it. The intimate nature of pelvic support problems, and the symptoms they cause, can be embarrassing. Our San Antonio OBGYNs want you to know that POP is a common problem, especially as women age.

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