Immunization During Pregnancy

Immunization is a process of prevention of certain diseases like tetanus, polio, diphtheria, etc. this is done by injecting a dose of the altered organisms into the body causing that particular disease. Generally, immunization is not given during pregnancy as there is a risk causing harm to the unborn baby. It is important to protect yourself from any infections during the pregnancy which may harm you or your baby. There are some vaccines that are not considered safe for use during the pregnancy. It is better to discuss this issue with your physician.

There are 2 kinds of vaccines:

* The one which contain live organisms and

* The one which contains an inactivated organism

Generally, doctors do not recommend live-virus vaccines for the pregnant women.

The best time for immunizing yourself is during the visits you make to your health care prior to your pregnancy. Before your pregnancy, you can vaccinate yourself to protect you and your baby at the time of pregnancy. There is no vaccine which can be considered as completely safe or effective. You need to discuss about every vaccine with your physician. Balance the advantages and the risks of that vaccine provided. If, suppose you remain pregnant after four weeks of your last vaccination, inform it your physician and discuss whether the vaccine will affect the baby or not.

The U.S. Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend the following vaccines regularly to the pregnant women who is at high risk of infections:

* Tetanus\Diphtheria- Recommended regularly to the pregnant women.

* Hepatitis B- Suggested to the women who is at risk of infections

* Influenza- it is advocated for those women who will remain pregnant during the flu period.

* Meningococcal- It is given to protect the baby and the mother form infections

* Rabies- It is advised to those who are at a high risk of exposure.

Vaccinations to be Avoided

The CDC recommends the following vaccines or lie-viruses to be strongly avoided during the time of pregnancy:

Vaccines like Measles, Mumps, Rubella or German Measles, BCG (tuberculosis), LAIV (live, attenuated influenza vaccine)

If possible, it is better suggested that women should avoid pregnancy for atleast one month after she has been immunized. If, in case, you are not immunized because you are pregnant currently; then talk with your physician about it and also the possible risks.

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