Pre-natal Vaccination Guide for Infanticipating Mommies

Photo from kashmirmonitor.in

You’ve shortlisted possible ninongs and ninangs, gotten the names down pat and even picked out baby outfits for his or her first birthday – surely you haven’t missed anything in planning for your baby. Or haven’t you really?

Pre-natal vaccination is often forgotten in whirlwind of preparations for having a baby. But as Infanticipating: Your Ultimate Guide to Motherhood—the first pregnancy guidebook written by Filipinas for Filipinas, expecting mothers, immunization is a crucial step. For example, if a woman gets german measles (rubella), while she is pregnant, the fetus is at increased risk for a variety of problems, including deafness, heart problems, cataracts of the eyes, and mental retardation.

On the other hand, if a pregnant woman gets chicken pox, she places her baby at risk for congenital varicella. And unlike regular chicken pox which just leads to unsightly scars, this can lead to weakening or withering of the arms and legs (atrophy) and eye abnormalities.
With this, doctors recommend that Infanticipating mommies—who’re in the stage of planning for their babies--should already get their shots against german measles and chicken pox. Of course, preventive care for babies only begins in pre-natal vaccination. Vaccination against rotavirus and pneumococcal diseases are advised for very young children.

Below are other handy tips to ensure a safe pregnancy journey:
•    Preconceptional immunization of women to prevent disease in the offspring is preferred to vaccination of pregnant women> this eliminates risk to the fetus when the mother is unvaccinated and acquire certain viral infections during pregnancy.    
•    Do avoid over-crowded areas where the risk of viral infection is high.
•    If you are pregnant and think you’ve been exposed to a person with suspected measles, mumps, German measles or chickenpox, see your doctor right away.
•    After giving birth, ask your doctor about the recommended postpartum vaccines for you and other household members who might be in close contact with your newborn. Bring your newborn to a pediatrician and ask about early and complete protection through vaccination.

Meanwhile, here’s a handy guide on the importance of vaccination and preventive healthcare among Infanticipating mommies and young children:

Tips to Ensure a Safe Pregnancy Journey