What Vaccines Do You Need During Pregnancy?

Getting vaccinated when you’re pregnant helps protect you and your baby from serious diseases. Newborns don't have fully developed immune systems, making them vulnerable to infections. Getting vaccinated during pregnancy can help keep your baby safe until they're old enough to receive their own vaccines. Lisa Veach, MD, UnityPoint Health shares which vaccinations are important to stay up to date on before, during and after pregnancy.

What Vaccines Do You Get During Pregnancy?

Research shows certain vaccines are safe for pregnant women. These well-studied shots offer a vital layer of protection for both mom and baby during this important phase of development.

COVID Vaccine During Pregnancy

Pregnant women have a higher chance of getting seriously sick from COVID-19 than women who aren't pregnant. An updated COVID-19 vaccine is recommended and safe during any point in your pregnancy.

Flu Shot While Pregnant

Changes in your immune, heart and lung functions during pregnancy make you more likely to get incredibly ill from influenza. The flu shot is one dose. It's given during any trimester of your pregnancy. The flu shot is made from a killed virus, so it’s safe for both you and your baby.

“The nasal spray is the only form of influenza vaccine a pregnant person shouldn’t receive, because it’s made from a live virus,” Dr. Veach says.

Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine During Pregnancy

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a serious, life-threatening disease for babies. The Tdap vaccine is one dose and is typically administered preferably between 27- 36 weeks of pregnancy. Receiving the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy may produce common side effects like a slight fever, irritation at the injection site, nausea, tiredness or a headache.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine During Pregnancy

The RSV vaccine is one dose and recommended when you’re between 32-36 weeks pregnant during the fall and winter. This provides your baby with antibodies which protect against RSV during the RSV season. RSV vaccine side effects during pregnancy are typically mild. You may experience pain at the injection site, a headache, muscle pain or nausea.

What Vaccines Should be Avoided During Pregnancy?

Vaccines that contain live viruses aren’t recommended during pregnancy as they might pose a risk to a developing baby.

“For example, the chickenpox vaccine (varicella vaccine) should be avoided. It's not advised to get the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR vaccine) during pregnancy either,” Dr. Veach says.

You may need other vaccines during pregnancy if you’re at higher risk for certain infections. Your doctor will tell you which vaccines you need and when.

What Happens to Your Immune System During Pregnancy?

Your immune system is altered by hormones from pregnancy, making you more susceptible to illnesses. This change takes place right away when the embryo implants.

“Pregnancy weakens the immune system by toning down your body’s biological defenses. This way, your body won’t interpret your developing baby as something "foreign" and try to reject it," Dr. Veach says.

By receiving the recommended vaccines during pregnancy, it helps keep you healthy and creates protective antibodies you can pass on to your baby.

You give your baby protective immunities and antibodies primarily during the third trimester of pregnancy. They help protect your baby from certain diseases during their first few months of life, too.

How to Boost Your Immune System While Pregnant

To give your immunity a boost during and after pregnancy, try the following:

• Easier said than done when you're in the late stages of pregnancy or have a newborn, but try to get consistent, quality sleep. Sleep deprivation makes it easier to get sick.
• Find healthy ways to unwind by doing something that makes you feel relaxed or happy.
• Fuel your body with fruits, vegetables and protein. These provide essential vitamins and minerals that help keep both you and your baby healthy.
• If you get the green light from your doctor, aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days. Even a good walk can boost your immunity by improving the circulation of protective cells and reducing stress.
• Stay hydrated to keep your immune system on track. It might mean even more trips to the bathroom, but drinking plenty of fluids is important for you and your baby.
• Take your prenatal vitamin during pregnancy or switch to a postnatal vitamin after. They’re designed to meet the increased nutritional demands of pregnancy and contain immune-supporting vitamins and minerals like Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Zinc, Vitamin A, Folate, Iron and DHA, all of which support your baby’s healthy development, too.

Always discuss your vaccination history and any upcoming vaccine needs with your healthcare provider to ensure the safest plan for you and your baby.