Updated with new Ask Heidi video.
But have you talked to your doctor about the vaccines you better get before and during pregnancy?
Plus, some vaccine-preventable diseases, likewhooping cough, can be very dangerous for newborn babies.
And if youre considered high-risk or are traveling outside the U.S., you may need even more vaccines.
Other shots, however, are considered unsuitable and sometimes unsafe for pregnancy.
How can you keep all this info straight?
Startby talking to your doctor.
Havingchickenpox as an adultcan be quite serious.
And if youre pregnant, its not only uncomfortable, it could also spell trouble for your growing baby-to-be.
If bloodwork reveals that youre not immune to chickenpox, the vaccine helps keep the pox at bay.
Whats more, you’ve got the option to’t get theMMR vaccine during pregnancy.
Not sure whether you received the MMR vaccination and cant find your vaccination records?
Its safe to continue with the series during pregnancy.
HPV
Thehuman papillomavirus (HPV)is responsible for most cervical cancers and genital warts.
A third dose may be needed if kids aren’t vaccinated until they’re older.
Recent studies have shown no conclusive evidence that it can harm an unborn baby, even in early pregnancy.
And see to it to tell your doctor if he or she doesn’t already know.
The flu season can last from October through April or even May.
Just avoid the nasal spray, which contains live flu viruses.
Got vaccinated last year?
You should still get a new shot this and every year.
A toxin made by these bacteria cause nervous-system symptoms such as muscle spasms and seizures.
Diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) bacteria are spread through coughing and sneezing and cause severe respiratory problems.
The adult vaccine is called Tdap for protection from all three: tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough.
Pregnant women have an increased risk of severe illness and hospitalization from COVID-19.
The vaccine offers protection against serious illness and can also protect pregnant women’s babies.
RSV
In August 2023, avaccine against RSVwas approved for pregnant women.
The vaccine will offer protection to their babies from birth through 6 months of age.
If youre not immunized against thechickenpoxvirus, you should get this vaccine before you conceive.
Because the vaccine contains a live virus, its not safe for women who are already pregnant.
If possible, give a shot to wait four weeks between receiving the vaccine and becoming pregnant.
Its most common in those older than 50 and in people with certain medical issues.
