One thing some expectant mothers don’t know is that the WHO recommends two vaccines for women during pregnancy.
In this video, three young mothers discuss their experiences with vaccination during pregnancy. Take a look and ask your doctor for more information.
You can skip ahead to sections on pertussis, flu, vaccines in pregnancy, where to seek health information and vaccines and kids.
The flu vaccine is recommended by the WHO because catching this virus during pregnancy can increase the risk of preterm birth and low birth-weight. Being bed-bound and unable to eat for a week or two during pregnancy is not ideal!
Pass on pertussis protection
The other vaccine often recommended for pregnant women protects against pertussis (or whooping cough). Not only can this prevent you from getting the disease, you also pass on protection to your child. This provides your baby with some protection after birth when they are too young to be vaccinated.
It is during these first weeks of life that babies are most vulnerable to pertussis so the vaccine can make a real difference. This vaccine is usually given early in the third trimester.
Check with your doctor and local health authorities as some countries run special immunisation programmes for pregnant women. Both vaccines are safe and effective and can keep you both healthy when it matters most.
Warning: this video shows a young baby with whooping cough which may be distressing to watch
More:
Pregnancy: the new flu priority
A parent’s story: ‘Our tragedy could have been avoided’
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