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You are here : home > Pregnancy > Medical Aspects of Pregnancy > Tetanus

Tetanus

Tetanus

Pregnant women must not forget to get tetanus vaccination as it prevents the deadly tetanus disease. Get more information on tetanus vaccination, its side effects and time of administration right here.

Many pregnant women get vaccination to update their immunization ability as they become susceptible to diseases during pregnancy that can harm them or their unborn child. But, all types of vaccinations are not recommended during pregnancy.
Pregnant women must consult their doctors to figure out which vaccines they may need or wait until the child is born. Tetanus vaccination is usually recommended during pregnancy.It is usually administered with the combination of diphtheria and pertussis vaccinations.
The tetanus is considered safe during pregnancy. In fact, most doctors administer this vaccine to their patients in the later part of pregnancy.

What Is the Threat of Tetanus?

Tetanus is a life-threatening bacterial disease. It affects a person’s nervous system by causing production of a neurotoxin, leading to tetanic muscle contractions. Tetanus can be fatal if left untreated. It is caused by the toxin of Clostridium tetani, a dangerous bacterium. If your skin has a tiny prick or a scratch or actually a deep puncture wound, such as a cut, bite, burn, or an ulcer, then there is a greater chance for the tetanus bacteria to enter your body.

How Does It Work?

The tetanus vaccine is given during your pregnancy to prevent you and your baby from the dangerous disease called tetanus. After the vaccination, antibodies would form in your body and would pass to your baby via the placenta. This will protect you and also your baby for a few months after birth. Tetanus vaccination also helps prevent premature delivery.

When Should Pregnant Women Get Tetanus Vaccination?

Optimal timing for administration of tetanus vaccine is between 27 and 36 weeks gestation, although it may be given at any time during pregnancy. The 5th month of pregnancy is the best time for the vaccination as it can help protect the newborn child the most. A minimum time of 2 weeks is needed to produce a maximal immune response to the vaccine antigens after receipt of tetanus vaccination.
Many studies suggest that active transport of maternal antibodies significantly take place after 30 weeks of gestation. Therefore, pregnant women should be given tetanus vaccination during the third trimester. If it is not administered during pregnancy, it should be administered immediately after the birth of your baby.

Dosage of Tetanus Vaccination During Pregnancy

Two doses of the tetanus vaccine would be recommended to you by your doctor in the first pregnancy. In the first trimester, soon after your pregnancy tests are confirmed and you have your first antenatal appointment, the first vaccination would be administered to you. The second dose of the tetanus vaccine would be given at least 4-8 weeks after the first one.
The second dose of the vaccine can also be given 4 weeks prior to the expected date of delivery. You can also get a third dose of tetanus vaccine 6 months after the second one to have protection for at least 5 years. If you get pregnant for the second time within 2 years since your last pregnancy, when you had received both the doses of tetanus vaccines, then your doctor will recommend you a booster dose of tetanus vaccine.

Are There Any Side-Effects?

There are minimum-to-no side-effects after tetanus vaccination is administered to pregnant women. You may have a low-grade fever. You can also experience soreness and swelling at the injection site. The area can get red and you may experience rash over there. You may feel nauseated. No serious adverse effects are known to be found after tetanus vaccination.
Always talk to your doctor or health supervisor or your midwife before you take the vaccination. Every case of pregnancy is different – not all the bodies are same. So it is always important to consult a doctor before you get your vaccination. Enjoy a safe pregnancy!

When should pregnant women get vaccinated for tetanus? What is the period for which this vaccination provides immunity? What are side effects of tetanus vaccination during pregnancy? Discuss here.


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Gayatri
Gayatri.12 years ago
how many tetanus vaccinations are given during pregnancy term?
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mona
mona.15 years ago
in which month doctor administer for this vaccine.
 
 
 
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urmila
urmila.15 years ago
when we take tetanus injection
 
 
 
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