Vaccines

The NHS currently recommends having both a flu and whooping cough vaccine during pregnancy. The main reason for this is both of these illnesses can have a negative effect on baby. Neither vaccines are live and it is generally recommended not to have a live vaccine while expecting. The other obvious vaccination up for discussion is the Covid-19 vaccine. At the time of writing, it is recommended that it is safe to have your vaccine, however you are likely to have already had at least your first two doses if you have chosen to do so, and so further guidance on the ‘top-up vaccine’ will be published when available. It is always worth talking to your midwife if you have any questions over the vaccines or anything else throughout your pregnancy rather than searching online as the source may not be reliable. The main reason these vaccines are offered, is the risk to baby if you do contract any of these illnesses is real, and so it is important to make an informed decision. Flu can affect an unborn baby at any stage of pregnancy and so the flu vaccine is recommended as soon as possible, where as the whooping cough vaccine is recommended between 16 – 32 weeks and will provide your baby with protection for the first few weeks post birth.