Understanding Vaccine Safety and Schedules: A Closer Look at TDAP and Essential Immunizations From a Mother for Expectant Mothers
Pregnancy, Protection & Preventive Care: Why Vaccines Matter
Pregnancy is one of the most miraculous journeys. It marks the beginning of a new chapter in motherhood, one filled with transformation, tenderness, and strength. It’s a season when we’re called to protect not only ourselves but the new life growing within us. And that protection begins long before labor and delivery.
One of the most beautiful things about this time is the connection we share with our baby. We share space, nutrients, and remarkably, we even share our immunity. Through the placenta, our antibodies cross over, offering protection that can help carry them safely into their first months of life. This biological generosity is just one of the many quiet miracles of pregnancy.
But with all that beauty comes a shift, and not just emotionally. Your immune system adapts to help your baby thrive, which in turn leaves you more vulnerable to infections. This often surprises people, but once you’re pregnant, you’re considered immunocompromised. You actually join a higher-risk category along with older adults and newborns, because your body is focusing its energy on sustaining new life. That’s why something like the flu, which may be mild for others, can hit much harder during pregnancy. And that’s also why vaccinations matter so much during this time.
Let’s take the flu vaccine, for example. Getting the flu while pregnant is not just uncomfortable. It can be downright dangerous. We’re talking hospitalizations, dehydration, fever-induced complications, and risks to both you and your baby. Many people describe it as “morning sickness times 100.” The flu shot is a simple, evidence-backed way to protect your health and give your body what it needs to carry your baby safely.
Then there’s Tdap, the vaccine that protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). When given in the third trimester, it helps your body produce antibodies that cross into your baby’s system, essentially giving them a starter dose of immunity. This is especially critical for pertussis, which can be life-threatening in newborns. Since babies can’t receive their first DTaP vaccine until they’re about two months old, those early weeks are a period of real vulnerability. With Tdap during pregnancy, you’re giving them their best possible defense until their own immune system can begin to take over.
Diphtheria, though rare in the U.S., is still a risk globally. It can cause severe respiratory distress, heart problems, and paralysis. Whooping cough can lead to violent coughing fits that make it hard for infants to breathe, and the outcomes can be tragic. These diseases aren’t common because vaccines work. But they’re still out there, and prevention is far better than treatment, especially for babies who can’t yet protect themselves.
You may also be wondering about the COVID-19 vaccine. A lot of research has gone into understanding how it affects pregnancy, and the data shows that vaccination during pregnancy is safe. Even more, it reduces your risk of severe illness, which is especially important since COVID-19 in pregnancy has been linked to higher chances of preeclampsia and premature birth. Some studies even show that the antibodies may pass to your baby, offering early protection during those first delicate months.
In certain cases, depending on your medical history or regional risk, your provider might recommend other vaccines, like Hepatitis A or B. And while some vaccines, like MMR, aren’t typically given during pregnancy because they’re live-virus vaccines, it’s reassuring to know that accidental administration hasn’t been shown to cause harm. If this applies to you, definitely talk it through with your provider. You deserve both peace of mind and accurate information.
Of course, your role isn’t the only one that matters. Protection doesn’t stop with you. It extends to everyone who will be in close contact with your baby. Many parents ask if dads or partners need vaccines too. The answer is yes. For every pregnancy, it’s recommended that close family and caregivers, including dads, receive Tdap if they haven’t had it recently. This strategy, called cocooning, builds a ring of immunity around your newborn to help shield them from preventable illness in those first few vulnerable weeks.
When it comes to timing, here’s a general rhythm: the flu vaccine is safe and recommended at any point during pregnancy, especially if it’s flu season. Tdap is ideally given between 27 and 36 weeks. The COVID-19 vaccine can be administered anytime, depending on individual risk factors and booster schedules. Just be sure to avoid live vaccines like MMR or varicella during pregnancy. These are typically recommended before conception or after birth.
Understandably, this topic brings up concerns. There’s a lot of misinformation out there. Maybe you’ve heard that vaccines cause miscarriage, or that they overload the immune system, or that they contain harmful ingredients. These claims aren’t supported by science. The vaccines recommended during pregnancy have been thoroughly studied and vetted. And the most common side effects, like mild fatigue or a sore arm, are far less serious than the illnesses they prevent.
That said, your questions are valid. And your care should always feel like a conversation, not a checklist. That’s why it’s so important to talk to your provider about your personal health history, your concerns, and your values. Together, you can make the best decision for your body and your baby.
Because at the end of the day, getting vaccinated during pregnancy is more than just a medical recommendation. It’s an act of love. It’s one of the first ways we protect our babies before they’re even born. It’s a promise we make to shield, to nurture, and to show up as the protector they already know us to be.
Recommended Vaccinations During Pregnancy
Vaccinations are a critical part of protecting both you and your baby during pregnancy. They help your body build antibodies that not only keep you healthy but also pass to your baby through the placenta, providing protection during the first few vulnerable months of life.
Here are the vaccines most often recommended during pregnancy, along with the ideal timing for each:
- Flu (Influenza) Vaccine
Recommended during any trimester, especially during flu season. The inactivated flu vaccine helps prevent serious complications like dehydration, high fever, hospitalization, or even preterm labor. - Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) Vaccine
Recommended during each pregnancy, ideally between 27 and 36 weeks gestation. This timing maximizes the transfer of antibodies to your baby, giving them early protection against whooping cough, diphtheria, and tetanus. - COVID-19 Vaccine
Recommended at any point during pregnancy. COVID-19 infection in pregnancy increases the risk of severe illness and complications. Vaccination reduces those risks and may also help protect your baby. - Hepatitis A and B Vaccines
May be recommended depending on your personal health history or risk factors. These are safe to receive during pregnancy. - MMR and Varicella Vaccines
These are live vaccines and should not be given during pregnancy. If received before you knew you were pregnant, speak with your provider for guidance and reassurance.
Family Vaccination Strategy
Protecting your baby doesn’t stop with you. One of the most effective ways to build a ring of safety around your newborn is by ensuring that everyone who will spend time with them is up to date on their vaccines.
This includes anyone in your family circle, whether that’s a traditional nuclear family or a beautifully extended one. Parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, trusted friends, babysitters, or nannies — anyone who will have close contact with your baby in the first few months of life should be current on:
- Tdap (within the last 10 years)
- Annual flu vaccine
- COVID-19 vaccination or current booster
This strategy, called cocooning, creates a layer of protection. It helps keep your baby safe. This is important before they are old enough for their own vaccines. It is a powerful way we can collaborate as a family. We can support each other to care for our littlest members within the community.
📌 CDC Guidelines on Vaccinations During Pregnancy
For comprehensive and up-to-date information on recommended vaccines during pregnancy, you can refer to the CDC’s official guidelines:
📝 Questions to Ask at Your Next Prenatal Visit
To help you feel empowered and informed during your prenatal appointments, consider discussing the following topics with your healthcare provider:
- Which vaccines are recommended for me during this stage of pregnancy?
- Are there any vaccines I should avoid while pregnant?
- What are the potential side effects of these vaccines?
- How do these vaccines protect my baby after birth?
- Should my partner or other close family members receive any vaccines?
- Are there any lifestyle changes I should consider to support my pregnancy?
- What screenings or tests will I need in the upcoming weeks?
- How can I manage common pregnancy symptoms effectively?
- What signs should prompt me to contact you between visits?
- Can we discuss my birth plan and any preferences I have?
Your prenatal visits are an opportunity to build a trusting, collaborative relationship with your provider. Don’t hesitate to bring questions, express concerns, or seek clarity. This journey is yours, and your voice matters every step of the way.
One of the most important things we do as mothers and parents is keep our little ones safe. The way that we do this is two-fold.
We take care of ourselves and ensure that we care for our little ones in the best way we see fit. Always remember, mother knows best!
Science with Sabrina 
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