Hey mama, welcome to this post on vaccines for moms in pregnancy.
Before Dr. Boyd jumps into this topic on your options for vaccines in pregnancy, I want to mention my FREE Natural Birth Workbook! This 4 Step Process is a great start if you are considering a med-free birth. Click the button below to download the workbook…
Vaccinations are recommended by the FDA, CDC, and ACOG. However, just because vaccines are recommended does not mean that you have to be vaccinated. Vaccinations are not required. Don’t ever be pressured by your healthcare provider to be vaccinated. You need to do some research and decide based on that fact that you are informed.
I have listed several sites that explain vaccines and their safety versus the concern for safety. Please read these articles to make an informed decision for yourself and your baby.
Read both sides of the debate:
- Vaccine Safety: https://vaccinesafetycommission.org/index.html
- FDA: https://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/default.htm
- CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/index.html
- ACOG: https://www.acog.org/Clinical-Guidance-and-Publications/Committee-Opinions/Immunization-Infectious-Disease-and-Public-Health-Preparedness-Expert-Work-Group/Maternal-Immunization
MMR
First, I want to mention a vaccine that is recommended at least one month prior to conception if your blood results indicate that you are non-immune. This is the MMR vaccine (mumps, measles, rubella). You probably received this vaccine as a child, but studies show that it does not provide lifetime immunity. If you decide to receive this vaccine then you MUST wait at least one month before trying to conceive. This is very important for the safety of your baby.
FLU, TDAP, HEP B
Now let’s talk about vaccinations that will be offered to you during your pregnancy:
1. Influenza
This vaccine will be offered to you during the flu season, which is September to March. The Influenza vaccine is very common because the Influenza virus attacks the U.S. and the world every year with a different strain of the virus. Thus the vaccine is recommended every year.
2. Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
This vaccine is offered during the weeks 27 – 36 gestation. Studies show that this vaccine should decrease the chance of your baby developing Whooping Cough (Pertussis).
3. Hepatitis B
The Hep B vaccine is only necessary for people exposed to this virus regularly such as healthcare providers. This is a 3 shot series offered at anytime during your pregnancy. Talk to your healthcare provider if you think you may need this vaccine.
Again, please read these articles above to make an informed decision for yourself and your baby.
Do you want some help making a plan? I have created my FREE Natural Birth Workbook just for you. This 4 Step Process is a great start if you are considering a med-free birth. Download below…
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