Vaccination During Pregnancy: Protecting the Mother and Baby

Pregnancy is a special time for every woman, filled with joy and preparations for the arrival of a new baby. However, it is also a period when both the mother and baby are vulnerable to various health risks. One important way to ensure their well-being is through timely vaccinations¹.

 

Many infectious diseases pose serious risks to both the expecting mother and the baby, but vaccinations help build immunity and reduce these concerns. In addition to protecting the mother’s health, vaccinations also provide essential immunity to the baby during first few months of life.¹

 

By understanding the importance of vaccination during pregnancy, as recommended by the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI)⁸, and consulting their doctor about maternal immunisation, expectant mothers can take proactive steps to protect both themselves and their babies from diseases.

 

The Importance of Vaccination During Pregnancy

 

1.  Pregnancy Increases Health Risks for Mothers

During pregnancy, a woman’s immune, heart, and respiratory systems undergo major changes, making her more vulnerable to certain illnesses¹. For example, the risk of flu complications increases, particularly in the second and third trimesters. The flu can also affect the unborn baby, possibly leading to premature birth and low birth weight^1,2. These complications can often be prevented with vaccination, which strengthens the mother’s immune system and helps the body fight off serious infectious diseases⁹.

 

2.  Newborns Are Highly Vulnerable in Their First Weeks

Newborns are especially prone to infections in their early weeks because their immune systems are not yet fully developed. Some serious diseases cannot be prevented with direct vaccination at birth, and the risk of fatal infections is highest during this period. This makes it even more important for mothers to get vaccinated during pregnancy, as it helps protect their babies from life-threatening illnesses¹.

 

3.  Pregnant Women Pass Protective Antibodies to Their Babies

Mothers naturally pass protective antibodies to their babies during pregnancy. This transfer begins in the second trimester and increases in the third trimester, with antibodies moving through the placenta to help the baby fight infections after birth. However, for the baby to receive adequate protection, the mother must have a strong immune response. Vaccination during pregnancy ensures that mothers pass on essential antibodies (passive immunity), helping to safeguard newborns until their immune systems mature¹.

 

Which Diseases Can Vaccination During Pregnancy Protect the Mother and Child Against?

 

Now that you have learned that maternal immunisation is essential for protecting both the mother and baby from serious infectious diseases ¹, let’s understand the diseases that vaccinations can help prevent:

 

1.  Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by Bordetella pertussis, which only infects humans. It spreads easily through airborne droplets from an infected person³.

 

Common Symptoms^3,4:

• Starts with mild cold-like symptoms:
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Low fever
  • Mild cough
• Can worsen to:
  • Severe, long-lasting coughing fits
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Pneumonia (in serious cases)

 

Why Vaccination?

 

Newborns are particularly vulnerable as they cannot be vaccinated at birth. The Tdap vaccination during pregnancy helps pass immunity to the baby, reducing the risk of severe illness and mortality in the first few months of life^3,5. 

 

2.  Diphtheria

 

Diphtheria is a bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae that primarily spreads through respiratory droplets. It mainly affects the skin and mucous membranes and can lead to severe complications⁶. 

 

Common Symptoms⁶

• Sore throat
• Fever
• Swelling of the neck
• Thick grey membrane over the throat and tonsils, which can block the airway and cause severe breathing difficulties

 

Why Vaccination?

 

Diphtheria can lead to breathing difficulties, heart complications, and nerve damage. In severe cases, it may spread into the bloodstream, resulting in life-threatening complications. The Tdap vaccination provides essential protection for both the mother and baby by reducing the risk of infection and associated complications^6,1.

 

3. Tetanus

Tetanus is a severe bacterial infection caused by Clostridium tetani, a bacterium commonly found in soil. The bacteria enter the body through open wounds, including burns, bites, ulcers, and even minor cuts or scratches⁷. 

 

Common Symptoms⁷

• Muscle stiffness and spasms
• Lockjaw (inability to open the mouth)
• Difficulty swallowing
• Severe muscle contractions

 

Why Vaccination? 

 

Tetanus affects the nervous system and can be life-threatening, especially for newborns (neonatal tetanus). Vaccination is the only effective way to prevent tetanus infection^7,1.

 

4.  Influenza (Flu)

 

Influenza is a common yet serious viral infection that spreads through respiratory droplets, affecting the nose, throat, and lungs¹⁰. 

 

Common Symptoms¹⁰:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches