Vaccination during pregnancy is a vital preventive measure in routine obstetric care, serving to protect Mother, fetus, and infant. However, there are several vaccines you definitely shouldn’t get during pregnancy. While in some cases there has been no definitive evidence of problems linked to these vaccines, more research needs to be done to prove they’re safe for you and your baby.
CHICKENPOX (VARICELLA)
If you’re not immunized against the chickenpox virus, you should get this vaccine before you conceive. Because the vaccine contains a live virus, it’s not safe for women who are already pregnant.
If you’re exposed to the varicella virus while you’re pregnant and haven’t received the vaccine, talk to the doctor about getting the varicella-zoster immune globulin, which can offer you temporary immunity and prevent complications should you come down with a case of the pox.
MMR VACCINE
Like varicella, the MMR vaccine (which stands for measles, mumps and rubella) contains live viruses, so it is not safe for women who are already pregnant. If possible, try to wait four weeks between receiving the vaccine and becoming pregnant.
SHINGLES (ZOSTER)
This shot protects people from shingles – which, like chickenpox, is caused by the varicella virus. It’s most common in those older than 50 and in people with certain medical issues. There isn’t much research on the effects of the vaccine on pregnant women, so doctors advise you get the shot (if it’s recommended for you before age 50) after you deliver
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