Iran has executed two more members of the People's Mujahedin group. Authorities state they were hanged for spying for Israel. These hangings are part of a recent surge in executions of political prisoners. Rights groups warn of more executions to come
The summer heat in India can get unbearable and having cooling drinks on hand is important. This cucumber chaas is not just refreshing and hydrating, but is also packed with protein from curd and sattu. What’s more, it has a lot of fibre and electrolytes from cucumber and sabja seeds
Neymar just can’t seem to catch a break — and this time, it’s not even about what he did on the pitch. The controversy machine fired up again after Santos fell 2-3 to Fluminense in a Brazilian Serie A clash on Sunday — with the real flashpoint coming after the final whistle
UK Board Result 2026: Where, how to check UBSE Class 10, 12 results when announced?UK Board Result 2026 will be available to candidates on the official website of UBSE. The steps to check results is given here. Published on: Apr 20, 2026 12:58 PM IST By HT Education Desk | Edited by Papri Chanda
As the Iran war continues, the global leaders are eagerly waiting for the results of US-Iran and France-Lebanon that are scheduled to take place on Monday. Meanwhile, the Iran’s Revolutionary Guards has issued a stern naval warning a day after Iran’s central military command announced a new
World Athletics' Integrity Unit designates India as country having \"extremely high\" risk of dopingWorld Athletics' Integrity Unit designates India as country having \"extremely high\" risk of doping Published on: Apr 20, 2026 3:44 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Monaco
Why a politician, not a career diplomat, may be India’s next envoy to DhakaThe thinking was that there was a need for a political appointee to take forward ties when the Indian side was seen as too closely aligned with the Awami League govt Published on: Apr 20
Bharti Airtel has introduced a ₹1,599 broadband plan for its customers, which is available in almost every telecom circle. This plan is being offered to both the company’s Fiber and AirFiber users. If both Fiber and AirFiber services are available in your area
Why Vaccination During Pregnancy Is One Of The Simplest Ways To Protect Mother And Baby
Why Vaccination During Pregnancy Is One Of The Simplest Ways To Protect Mother And Baby
Every expectant mother wants to give her child the strongest, safest start in life. While nutrition, rest, and regular check-ups are often prioritised, one of the most powerful forms of protection begins even before birth: vaccination during pregnancy. Often overlooked or misunderstood, maternal vaccination is a simple, evidence-backed step that safeguards both the mother and the baby during a particularly vulnerable period.
According to Dr Raghuram Mallaiah, Senior Director of Neonatology, Fortis La Femme, Delhi, pregnancy brings natural changes to a woman's immune system, making her more susceptible to certain infections. “Vaccination is one of the most effective tools we have to prevent infectious diseases," he explains. “Protecting the mother during pregnancy also protects the developing baby."
How Maternal Vaccination Protects Two Lives
When a pregnant woman receives recommended vaccines, her body produces protective antibodies. These antibodies cross the placenta and enter the baby's bloodstream, especially during the later stages of pregnancy. This process provides the newborn with passive immunity, shielding them during the first few months of life, when their own immune system is still immature and too young to receive several important vaccines.
“This transfer of antibodies is critical," says Dr Mallaiah. “Newborns are highly vulnerable to infections, and maternal antibodies act as their first line of defence."
Breastfeeding continues this protection after birth, as antibodies are also passed on through breast milk, offering extended immune support.
The Risks of Missing Vaccination During Pregnancy
When key vaccinations are missed, both mother and baby face increased health risks. Infections during pregnancy can lead to serious complications, including spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, preterm birth, low birth weight, and congenital fetal defects. Some diseases, such as tetanus and diphtheria, can be fatal during pregnancy, while influenza may cause severe respiratory illness and increase the likelihood of hospitalisation.
For newborns, the consequences can be even more severe. Whooping cough (pertussis), for example, is potentially life-threatening in infants. Most babies under two months who contract the infection require hospitalisation, and it remains a leading cause of infant mortality. Since babies cannot be vaccinated against pertussis until six weeks of age, they rely entirely on the antibodies transferred from their mothers during pregnancy.
Addressing Common Myths and Misconceptions
Despite strong scientific evidence, myths around vaccination during pregnancy persist. Many women worry that vaccines could harm their baby or believe natural immunity alone is sufficient. Others assume vaccines such as pertussis are unnecessary because they are not included in the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).
Dr Mallaiah emphasises that vaccines recommended during pregnancy are inactivated vaccines, meaning they do not contain live viruses or bacteria and cannot cause infection in either the mother or the baby. “Large-scale studies have shown these vaccines to be safe, with no increase in pregnancy-related complications," he says. “In fact, vaccinated mothers are less likely to transmit infections to their newborns."
Timing Matters
The timing of vaccination during pregnancy plays a crucial role in ensuring maximum protection. Research has shown that vaccines such as pertussis are most effective when administered during the third trimester, as this allows sufficient time for antibody production and transfer. Studies indicate that pertussis vaccination during this period can reduce neonatal infection by up to 78 per cent.
The Role of Families and Healthcare Providers
Overcoming vaccine hesitancy requires empathy and clear communication. Dr Mallaiah believes healthcare workers should listen patiently to expectant mothers' concerns and address them with simple, factual information. Family support is equally important. In India, newborns are often surrounded by relatives and visitors, increasing the risk of infection—sometimes from people who may not even realise they are carriers.
“When families understand the importance of maternal vaccination, they become allies in protecting both mother and baby," he says.
Where India Stands Today
India has made significant progress in maternal immunisation, including the elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus and the annual vaccination of over three crore pregnant women with the Tetanus-Diphtheria (Td) vaccine under the UIP. However, gaps remain, particularly for vaccines like pertussis.
Integrating vaccination as a routine part of antenatal care can help bridge these gaps. Early antenatal counselling allows healthcare providers to educate women, plan vaccination schedules, and ensure timely administration.
A Simple Step With Lifelong Impact
Vaccination during pregnancy is not just a medical recommendation, it is an act of foresight and care. “By protecting the mother, we protect the baby," says Dr Mallaiah. “It is one of the simplest, safest, and most effective ways to ensure a healthier start to life."
In a journey filled with countless decisions, maternal vaccination stands out as a small step with a profound, lasting impact offering protection when it is needed most.
Source: News18
Related Posts: After NCRB data shows Kolkata safest metro Healthcare & Medicine Lead As Safest Study Abroad Options World’s safest car Elon Musk’s child’s mother Ashley St Clair goes public on her new podcast Scientists Discover Strongest Evidence Of An Atmosphere On A Molten Exoplanet Hurricane Melissa could be strongest ever to hit Jamaica Hurricane Melissa bears down on Jamaica as the strongest storm in recorded history Sun releases strongest solar flare of 2026 — what does an X8 People 'strongest bridges' of India-US relationship Hurricane Melissa could be strongest to ever hit Jamaica
The Bombay High Court has directed the Union Government to decide by May 4 on conferment of the Padma Vibhushan award posthumously to wrestler Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav, India's first individual Olympic medallist. Justices Madhav Jamdar and Pravin Patil of the High Court's Kolhapur Bench
1 days ago
Patrick Muldoon net worth: Was Days of Our Lives star married? All on wealth and personal lifePatrick Muldoon, the Hollywood actor famous for Days of Our Lives and Starship Troopers, died at 57 from a heart attack on April 19. Published on: Apr 20
1 days ago
A heartfelt video recorded inside a metro train has gone viral after an Indian man candidly shared how he lost nearly Rs 2 crore during the Covid 19 pandemic before starting over from scratch. Shared by the Instagram page @immemesupplier with the caption, “Just mens sacrifices"
1 days ago
At least 25 people have been killed in an explosion at a firecracker factory in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, with four others seriously injured. The blast occurred at the Vanaja Fireworks Industry in Virudhunagar on Sunday evening
1 days ago
Enterprises leveraging AI can benchmark innovation, gain credibility, and unlock strategic partnerships at ET Most Innovative AI Product 2026, positioning themselves at the forefront of growth, leadership, and India’s evolving AI-driven business ecosystem
1 days ago
No to laissez-faire on AI, yes to a light touchThe private sector can do much of the heavy lifting in verifying safety claims, writes Dean Ball Published on: Apr 20, 2026 4:01 PM IST The Economist Share via Copy link Anthropic, a frontier AI company
1 days ago
Ajay Devgn posts rare childhood pics of daughter Nysa on 23rd birthday; Kajol pens heartfelt noteAjay Devgn and Kajol marked daughter Nysa’s 23rd birthday with heartfelt wishes, sharing rare childhood photos and emotional notes celebrating her special day. Apr 20, 2026
1 days ago
Designing India’s next appliance chapter: BSH India CEO on habits and localisationBSH India CEO in this excluive interaction outlines a localisation-led strategy focused on awareness, new categories and growth tailored to Indian habits. Updated on: Apr 20
1 days ago
Imagine life without change. Without progress, without improvements, without moving on from the yesterday. Imagine being trapped in a time warp, waking up to the same things every day, going through a rigmarole that comes with the regularity of sunrise and sunset.Imagine life without change
1 days ago
JEE Mains final answer key 2026 for session 2 released, download link hereThe NTA JEE exam was held on April 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. The examination was held in two shifts- first shift from 9am to 12 noon and second shift from 3pm to 6pm Updated on: Apr 20
1 days ago
Sri Lanka’s Tamil parties have sought sustained Indian engagement to ensure the implementation of the Indo-Lanka Accord of 1987, signed during the early years of the civil war to address the aspirations of Tamils for equal rights and greater political power
1 days ago
Farah Khan spills the beans about Rakesh Bedi's FTII days; recalls him having free food, alcohol at Javed Akhtar's houseRakesh Bedi and Farah Khan reflected on their long-standing friendship with Farooq Shaikh and Satish Shah, among others, recalling fond memories. Apr 20, 2026
1 days ago
(Bloomberg) -- Bitcoin rose to the highest level since early February after a flurry of comments from the US and Iran sparked optimism that the conflict in the Middle East may be heading toward a resolution. The original cryptocurrency broke through the higher bound of the narrow range its been
1 days ago
New Delhi: The first phase of the West Bengal Assembly election will take place on April 23, with the second phase scheduled to be held on April 29 to elect 294 members of the state Legislative Assembly. The votes will be counted, and the results will be declared on May 4. Ahead of the first phase
1 days ago
In an exciting turn of events, cricket superstar Chris Gayle has taken a new role as co-owner and global brand ambassador for the Glasgow Mugafians. Set to compete in the inaugural ICC-sanctioned T20 league in Europe, this dynamic franchise is gearing up for the European T20 Premier League
1 days ago
Tech Tonic | No, the EU doesn’t require phones to have removable batteriesThe good news is that batteries must be easily replaceable, and phone makers must provide replacement parts with any accompanying accessories Published on: Apr 20, 2026 11:54 AM IST By Vishal Mathur Share via Copy link
1 days ago
A software engineer claim’s has triggered a wave of reactions online after claiming that Deloitte revoked his job offer just days after he resigned from his previous company. The incident has struck a chord with many professionals, with several social media users describing the experience as
1 days ago
Gold prices on Monday (April 20, 2026) dropped ₹1,310 to ₹1,53,299 per 10 grams in futures trade amid a fall in spot demand. On the Multi Commodity Exchange, gold contracts for the June delivery traded lower by ₹1,310, or 0.85%, at ₹1,53,299 per 10 grams in a business turnover of 1,119 lots
1 days ago
Malayalam film Private, directed by Deepak Deon, has been selected for screening at the ongoing 48th edition of the Moscow International Film Festival. The film, starring Indrans and Meenakshi Anoop, has been chosen in the non-competition category. The first screening was on April 18
1 days ago
Nick Shirley claims ‘death threats’ are making it dangerous to stay at hotels, ‘The fraudsters are angry’Nick Shirley has alleged that it is getting increasingly dangerous for him to stay at hotels due to constant doxxing and killing plots. Updated on: Apr 20
1 days ago
24-year-old quits job, builds ₹1 crore startup in 4 months: 'We're not stopping here'A 24-year-old entrepreneur’s claim of building a ₹1 crore startup in 4 months has gone viral, drawing praise and advice from users online. Updated on: Apr 20
1 days ago
The exchange plans to commit capital of up to Rs 100 crore to meet the minimum net worth requirements as per the draft Coal Exchange Rules. The move underscores the commodity exchange’s push to deepen its presence in the energy space and expand the commodity ecosystem
1 days ago
Manchester City's win over Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday was an absolutely thrilling game to watch and analyse - not the cautious and cagey tactical battle I thought it might be. Given they were the team who really needed to win, I expected City to be the ones to go after Arsenal from the
1 days ago
Vietnam plans to extend a special consumption tax cut on electric vehicles by nearly four years to the end of 2030 in a bid to boost EV sales and reduce emissions, the parliament office said over the weekend.The government will submit the proposal to extend the tax cut to parliament for
1 days ago
Two Indian men were shot dead in Italy on April 17 as they were leaving a warehouse used as a place of worship during the Vaisakhi festival, PTI reported. The men, Raginder Singh and Gurmit Singh, were killed in front of the Gurdwara Mata Sahib Kaur Ji in the Covo town in the Bergamo province
1 days ago
Blue Origin on Sunday (April 19, 2026) said its New Glenn rocket booster touched down after its launch, marking its first landing of a reused booster. New Glenn carries AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird 7 satellite to low-Earth orbit in a flight that marks a pivotal step for
1 days ago
Pakistan playing a role in facilitating the second round of talks between the United States and Iran was a “monumental setback” for the Narendra Modi government’s foreign policy, said the Congress on Monday. In a social media post, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that India needed an
1 days ago
