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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
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