Vaccines for pregnant women
NORTHCLIFF – If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, the specific vaccinations you need are determined by factors such as your age, lifestyle, medical conditions you may have, such as asthma or diabetes as well as type and locations of travel, and previous vaccinations.
The World Health Organisation’s World Immunisation Week (WIW) from 24 to 30 April sought to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination to people of all ages and to encourage people to go for immunisation against vaccine-preventable diseases around the world.
According to the World Health Organisation, immunisation can protect against 30 different infectious diseases, from infancy to old age and it saves the lives of two to three million people worldwide each year.
It is not advisable however, for pregnant women to take numerous vaccines according to Dr Leslie Shein of NHC Health centre in Northcliff.
“The new flu vaccines are safe, even in the first trimester, however pregnant women and those trying to get pregnant should generally stay away from vaccines,” he said.
Some vaccines such as the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccines, may be given a month or more before pregnancy. One could get vaccines, like Tdap during pregnancy.
Although pregnant women or those planning to get pregnant, should consult a doctor before taking any sort of vaccination.
According to DR Lerato Masemola of Thari Health Excellence in Boskruin, everybody should live healthy lives regardless of whether they are trying to have children or not.
Tips for a healthy lifestyle:
- Exercise regularly
- Eat healthy food, drink enough water
- Take a good balanced supplement (our food is not as nutrient rich as it should be)
- Don’t smoke, especially during conception and pregnancy
- Don’t drink excessive alcohol
