Dr Preety Aggarwal

Your Baby's First Vaccine Isn't After Birth: It's During Pregnancy

A baby's first protection against serious infections begins even before birth. Timely maternal vaccination during <span>pregnancy</span> helps pass protective antibodies from mother to baby, offering valuable immunity during the first few months of life. 

Many parents believe that a baby's vaccination journey starts only after birth. However, doctors say a baby's first protection actually begins during pregnancy. During the third trimester, a mother's body naturally passes protective antibodies to her baby through the placenta. 

These antibodies help protect newborns from certain infections during the first few months of life, when their immune system is still developing and before their own <span>vaccine</span>s provide full protection. Maternal immunisation not only protects the mother from serious illnesses during pregnancy but also gives the baby a healthy start. Yet, many expectant mothers are aware only of the tetanus-containing vaccine (Td) and may not know about other important vaccines or health checks that can benefit both mother and child. 

<h2>How does a baby get protection before birth? </h2>

During <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/parenting/could-tylenol-taken-during-pregnancy-affect-girl-childs-future-reproductive-health-study-raises-concern-article-156125035" data-type="tilCustomLink">pregnancy</a>, especially in the last three months, antibodies produced by the mother's immune system cross the placenta and enter the baby's bloodstream. These antibodies act as the baby's first line of defence after birth. 

Since newborn babies have immature <span>immune systems</span>, this natural transfer of immunity helps lower the risk of severe infections during the early weeks and months of life. This protection is temporary, which is why babies still need to receive all their routine childhood vaccinations on time after birth.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/parenting/trying-for-a-baby-tobacco-smoking-may-be-harming-your-chances-warns-who-article-156126957" data-type="tilCustomLink">Trying For A Baby? Tobacco Smoking Hurting Male And Female Fertility, Warns WHO</a> 

<h2>Which vaccines are important during pregnancy? </h2>

Doctors commonly recommend the Td (<span>Tetanus and Diphtheria</span>) vaccine during pregnancy to protect both the mother and baby from tetanus. Depending on the mother's medical condition, vaccination history, and local recommendations, doctors may also advise the <span>Tdap vaccine</span>, which protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough (pertussis). 

In some situations, the <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/parenting/us-newborns-are-missing-a-crucial-vitamin-k-shot-which-can-lead-to-brain-bleeding-article-156027899" data-type="tilCustomLink">influenza</a> (flu) vaccine may also be recommended, particularly during flu season or for women at higher risk of complications. Another important step is rubella screening before pregnancy. Rubella infection during early pregnancy can lead to serious birth defects. Women planning pregnancy should ensure they are protected against rubella before conceiving, as the vaccine is not given during pregnancy.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/parenting/are-children-breathing-clean-air-inside-classrooms-new-european-study-raises-concern-article-156124475" data-type="tilCustomLink">Are Children Breathing Clean Air Inside Classrooms? New European Study Raises Concern</a> 

<h2>Why maternal vaccination matters? </h2>

Vaccination during pregnancy helps reduce the mother's risk of certain infections, lowering the chances of illness-related complications during pregnancy. At the same time, it allows protective antibodies to reach the baby before birth, providing valuable immunity until the infant begins receiving routine <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/another-child-dies-from-measles-in-us-amid-vaccine-concerns-why-the-virus-is-more-than-a-fever-and-rash-article-156042636" data-type="tilCustomLink">childhood vaccines</a>. 

Discuss vaccination early during antenatal visits so that recommended vaccines can be given at the appropriate time. Every pregnancy is unique, and vaccination decisions should always be made in consultation with the doctor.

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• Discuss recommended vaccines during your very first antenatal visit. 

• Receive the Td vaccine as advised by your doctor. 

• Ask your doctor whether the <span>Tdap</span> vaccine is recommended in your pregnancy. 

• If advised, get the <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/influenza">influenza</a></span> vaccine during <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/tivicay-us-fda-approves-drug-to-treat-hiv-in-newborns-article-155987201" data-type="tilCustomLink">pregnancy</a>. 

• If planning a pregnancy, get screened for rubella immunity and complete vaccination before conception if needed. 

• Attend all regular prenatal check-ups. 

• Follow a healthy diet, stay physically active as advised, and get adequate rest. 

• Continue your baby's routine vaccination schedule after birth without delay. 

By discussing immunisation early in pregnancy and following medical advice, parents can give their newborn an important layer of protection even before the first cry.

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A baby's first protection against serious infections begins even before birth. Timely maternal vaccination during pregnancy helps pass protective antibodies from mother to baby, offering valuable immunity during the first few months of life. Many parents believe that a baby's vaccination journey starts only after birth. However, doctors say a baby's first protection actually begins during pregnancy. During the third trimester, a mother's body naturally passes protective antibodies to her baby through the placenta. These antibodies help protect newborns from certain infections during the first few months of life, when their immune system is still developing and before their own vaccines provide full protection. Maternal immunisation not only protects the mother from serious illnesses during pregnancy but also gives the baby a healthy start. Yet, many expectant mothers are aware only of the tetanus-containing vaccine (Td) and may not know about other important vaccines or health checks that can benefit both mother and child. How does a baby get protection before birth? During pregnancy, especially in the last three months, antibodies produced by the mother's immune system cross the placenta and enter the baby's bloodstream. These antibodies act as the baby's first line of defence after birth. Since newborn babies have immature immune systems, this natural transfer of immunity helps lower the risk of severe infections during the early weeks and months of life. This protection is temporary, which is why babies still need to receive all their routine childhood vaccinations on time after birth.Also read: Trying For A Baby? Tobacco Smoking Hurting Male And Female Fertility, Warns WHO Which vaccines are important during pregnancy? Doctors commonly recommend the Td (Tetanus and Diphtheria) vaccine during pregnancy to protect both the mother and baby from tetanus. Depending on the mother's medical condition, vaccination history, and local recommendations, doctors may also advise the Tdap vaccine, which protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough (pertussis). In some situations, the influenza (flu) vaccine may also be recommended, particularly during flu season or for women at higher risk of complications. Another important step is rubella screening before pregnancy. Rubella infection during early pregnancy can lead to serious birth defects. Women planning pregnancy should ensure they are protected against rubella before conceiving, as the vaccine is not given during pregnancy.Also read: Are Children Breathing Clean Air Inside Classrooms? New European Study Raises Concern Why maternal vaccination matters? Vaccination during pregnancy helps reduce the mother's risk of certain infections, lowering the chances of illness-related complications during pregnancy. At the same time, it allows protective antibodies to reach the baby before birth, providing valuable immunity until the infant begins receiving routine childhood vaccines. Discuss vaccination early during antenatal visits so that recommended vaccines can be given at the appropriate time. Every pregnancy is unique, and vaccination decisions should always be made in consultation with the doctor.                Tips for expectant mothers • Discuss recommended vaccines during your very first antenatal visit. • Receive the Td vaccine as advised by your doctor. • Ask your doctor whether the Tdap vaccine is recommended in your pregnancy. • If advised, get the influenza vaccine during pregnancy. • If planning a pregnancy, get screened for rubella immunity and complete vaccination before conception if needed. • Attend all regular prenatal check-ups. • Follow a healthy diet, stay physically active as advised, and get adequate rest. • Continue your baby's routine vaccination schedule after birth without delay. By discussing immunisation early in pregnancy and following medical advice, parents can give their newborn an important layer of protection even before the first cry.

your baby's first vaccine isn't after birth: it's during pregnancy

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