Good point guys. Sorry--it's more of a slang and perhaps inappropriate term. The mice were research mice in a clean facility--you had to wear a Tyvek suit, gloves, mask,booties, and go through an air shower to get in and out, all of the food, bedding, cages, etc were sterilized or irradiated before being allowed into the facility to kill any "germs". The air and water that was used in the cages was consistently being re-filtered and cleaned. Some of the mice in the facility were born without functioning immune systems so that researchers could use them to develop and test new treatments for people born with similar conditions, or for diseases like HIV or certain cancers that can also wipe out your immune system. I think there might also have been some mice that were used to study the effect of good bacteria in the gut that were exposed only to very specific probiotic bacterial strains. Essentially for any of those mice, getting exposed to "germs" (bacteria, viruses, etc), would have disrupted the research and/or harmed the mice. So while it's impossible for them to be "100% germ free" my point was more that these were basically the cleanest least-likely-to-carry-transmissible-disease mice possible.
Edit: Obviously since he bit through my glove and my skin wasn't sterile, the wound wasn't germ free. My point was really that I'm not sure why I specifically was given the tetanus shot after that low risk bite (instead of just cleaning it or getting antibiotics etc) but that I got the TDAP less than a year later and was fine.
I got whopping cough in high school. I was sick for 6 months, had scares of being alone somewhere and would start coughing so bad I couldn't get air in. Then there was the throwing up from coughing. Compromised my immune system enough that I ended up with sinusitis too. I would do anything to make sure my kids can avoid that. I get mine at 28 weeks next week, and I will accept the pain that I've been told comes with it.
I got a bunch of vaccination top ups when my daughter had her first vaccinations at 2 months old (she is 21 months old now) so I think I'm okay for this pregnancy!
On the topic of needles: when is everyone getting the flu shot? I didn't do mine until my daughter was 2 months old in January... I'm wondering if I should get it earlier so we are all done prior to baby #2 being here. Sorry to hijack the post.
DS is only 22 months and my dr recommends I get the tdap again. I also had it 3 years before getting it with DS. I think the recommendation is to get it with every pregnancy to help pass it to baby.
For the flu shot the goal is to get it at the start of flu season or at least 2 weeks before baby it born. It takes at least 2 weeks for an immunity to pass to baby, my dr said there were mixed results if the flu vaccine passes or not, but either way it is a good item you you.
Good to know! I was not given any vaccines while pregnant with dd, it was never even mentioned. I'm in Alberta, Canada so maybe that's why? Maybe I'll just get the top up's again when this baby gets their 2 month vaccinations?
Intersting, maybe it is just an American recommendation. Maybe we have had more outbreaks of whooping cough. If you ask your dr about it, I would be curious what they say.
Definitely a UK recommendation aswell
Definitely an Australia thing as well, in fact where i live it isn't uncommon for people to not let anyone see their newborns unless they have had their whooping cough injection.
My job is offering the flu shot for all employees Oct 8. My Dr did suggest I take part in it also, so I most likely will. I had not thought of the tdap shot, I will look into that tomorrow. I personally would not get them if I wasn't pregnant, but I am definitely going to make sure I am doing all that I can for the baby.
Just wanted to point out, some people (like myself!) are extremely allergic to the pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine and cannot get it. Although this worries me greatly, I'm taking all precautions I can for baby b/c it is just not medically safe for me to get it. Just a heads up, as I know a number of people who cannot get the shot due to being allergic.
Just wanted to point out, some people (like myself!) are extremely allergic to the pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine and cannot get it. Although this worries me greatly, I'm taking all precautions I can for baby b/c it is just not medically safe for me to get it. Just a heads up, as I know a number of people who cannot get the shot due to being allergic.
And that's why people who can get it should. Herd immunity ftw.
Got mine Monday. I'm not normally for getting vaccines as an adult. However, it's for the safety of my baby so I got one. I will also get a flu shot this year even though I never get a flu shot.
At my last appointment my doc said hubby and I should get ours along with grandparents that live close. So I told my parents and they all ran out and got there's. Realized today that I was so busy being bossy I didn't even get mine... So you can probably all guess what I'm doing today.
I got it with my last (in 2013) and with this one! Also everyone that would be coming to visit within the first few months had to get it too! It protects the baby when you get it during pregnancy! It does make your arm sore though so get it on your non-dominant arm!
just got the vaccine today at my ob apt, I wasn't given a choice a nurse came in and was like okay time for your shot. tell anyone who wants to be around the baby that they need to get it too.
Nobody mentioned it to me at the dr. office, but they did mention the flu shot, as an option. I am doing some research on it, it looks pretty recent and there is some mercury in it + no studies on long term from what I have found until now. So I bugged them to send me anything they had on it.... Just want more info.
I had influenza for the first time since I was a kid last year. I never would take the vaccine (particularly last year because I was weeks out from a marathon). Yeah, no- never again. It's been deemed safe by the thousands of OBs across the country who recommend and give it to their patients. Good enough for me.
Just got mine today and I'll be 31 weeks on Monday. They recommend the vaccine in the 3rd trimester to protect baby. If your partner or husband has gotten it since they've been an adult then they don't need it again. Same with grandparents if they've already gotten it. Only the pregnant mom gets it again for the baby.
Just got mine today and I'll be 31 weeks on Monday. They recommend the vaccine in the 3rd trimester to protect baby. If your partner or husband has gotten it since they've been an adult then they don't need it again. Same with grandparents if they've already gotten it. Only the pregnant mom gets it again for the baby.
This is not entirely accurate. Tdap is only good for 10 years, and recent studies have indicated that the pertussis needs a booster every 5 years. For this reason my husband is getting his updated, even though he got his Tdap 7 years ago. Grandparents are also getting updated.
Just got mine today and I'll be 31 weeks on Monday. They recommend the vaccine in the 3rd trimester to protect baby. If your partner or husband has gotten it since they've been an adult then they don't need it again. Same with grandparents if they've already gotten it. Only the pregnant mom gets it again for the baby.
This is not entirely accurate. Tdap is only good for 10 years, and recent studies have indicated that the pertussis needs a booster every 5 years. For this reason my husband is getting his updated, even though he got his Tdap 7 years ago. Grandparents are also getting updated.
I was told the same as well, it has to be updated every 5 years
Good thing my husband hurts himself so much he's gotten a booster three times in the past 10 years. I'm getting mine tomorrow at my 30 wk appointment, not looking forward to the sore arm!! My OB made it sound like it wasn't a big deal for grandparents/relatives unless they are really going to be having close contact (e.g. caretaking) with the baby, so I'm not going to go there.
Ladies, I need your advice. I got mine at 28 weeks. My family (parents and siblings got theirs), my husband and MIL are getting theirs. The issue is my MIL'S husband. He doesn't believe in vaccines and thinks they are part of a government conspiracy (and gave my hubby a speech about it). He keeps telling us that he loves our baby and wants him to call him grandpa. He's a very nice man, means well, but very stubborn and set on his ways. Sometimes, it makes me want to tell him "if you love our son, you would get the vaccine to protect him." My MIL and her husband are planning to visit before our son turns 4 weeks. How can I approach the subject again and ask him to get vaccinated? I don't want to "force" anyone, but at the same time I want to protect our LO. My MIL was going to make him wear a mask to protect our LO.
Ladies, I need your advice. I got mine at 28 weeks. My family (parents and siblings got theirs), my husband and MIL are getting theirs. The issue is my MIL'S husband. He doesn't believe in vaccines and thinks they are part of a government conspiracy (and gave my hubby a speech about it). He keeps telling us that he loves our baby and wants him to call him grandpa. He's a very nice man, means well, but very stubborn and set on his ways. Sometimes, it makes me want to tell him "if you love our son, you would get the vaccine to protect him." My MIL and her husband are planning to visit before our son turns 4 weeks. How can I approach the subject again and ask him to get vaccinated? I don't want to "force" anyone, but at the same time I want to protect our LO. My MIL was going to make him wear a mask to protect our LO.
See I'm having similar issues (not with anyone thinking vaccines are a conspiracy theory (Lol, really?!?!) but with feeling weird telling people to get vaccines. I don't have a problem doing so, as I will do anything to protect my child, but what how can we be sure they will--or what if they don't? Then do we refuse to let them see baby?? Anyone with any insight would be super appreciated! Thanks!
Ladies, I need your advice. I got mine at 28 weeks. My family (parents and siblings got theirs), my husband and MIL are getting theirs. The issue is my MIL'S husband. He doesn't believe in vaccines and thinks they are part of a government conspiracy (and gave my hubby a speech about it). He keeps telling us that he loves our baby and wants him to call him grandpa. He's a very nice man, means well, but very stubborn and set on his ways. Sometimes, it makes me want to tell him "if you love our son, you would get the vaccine to protect him." My MIL and her husband are planning to visit before our son turns 4 weeks. How can I approach the subject again and ask him to get vaccinated? I don't want to "force" anyone, but at the same time I want to protect our LO. My MIL was going to make him wear a mask to protect our LO.
If he doesn't want to get the vaccination that is fine, but I would not let him hold the baby until the LO is fully vaccinated. It is his decision, but if you are not comfortable with it then you have to what is best for you LO.
All of our family agreed to get updated if needed, but had it been an issue this is what I would have told them.
Just got mine today and I'll be 31 weeks on Monday. They recommend the vaccine in the 3rd trimester to protect baby. If your partner or husband has gotten it since they've been an adult then they don't need it again. Same with grandparents if they've already gotten it. Only the pregnant mom gets it again for the baby.
This is not entirely accurate. Tdap is only good for 10 years, and recent studies have indicated that the pertussis needs a booster every 5 years. For this reason my husband is getting his updated, even though he got his Tdap 7 years ago. Grandparents are also getting updated.
I was told this by the nurse who administered my shot yesterday so not sure. She did say it's good for 10 years. Our oldest is almost 3 so my parents and husband are good not to need another one. I'll be sure to ask my doc next week just to be sure.
I got my T-Dap on Friday and my arm hurts like a mother. I literally had trouble opening presents at my shower lol. I'm going to get the flu shot as well, even though I don't usually get one. Hubby has already gotten both.
IDK about the TDAP. I got a tetanus booster last year but not the full TDAP (sliced my finger on some dirty sheet metal, urgent care didn't think the TDAP would be covered by my insurance for some reason) and I don't know how close together you can get tetanus boosters.
I'd certainly ask your OB about that but I actually ended up getting a TDAP required for university less than a year after getting a regular tetanus booster because I got bit by a mouse at work (still not sure how germ free mouse bite translates into needing a tetanus shot but whatever). So if they gave me the TDAP just to fill a university requirement when I wasn't really at risk, I'm guessing that they'll want to give you one since it's important for protecting your baby.
I've already been told that my OB office doesn't do any vaccines/flu shots, and its entirely up to me to figure that out. They suggested I find a place to get the flu shot before giving birth because I asked about it, but I think if I hadn't they wouldn't have said anything.
I've worked with kids for 6-7 years and have occasionally (3 times maybe) gotten the flu shot. DH doesnt ever get the flu shot for misc issues but his risk level is usually low. I've never had the flu but decided to get the Tdap vaccine last week only because of all the whopping cough commercials I remember from last season. It made me super tired the day after and my arm was a little sore around the injections site- not a big deal. However I kind of regret getting it now, I mean none of these things have ever happened in any of my or his family and there are small children in both. I'm all for vaccines or meds but there has to be a solid reason for them and I find myself thinking I may have rushed into this. Definitely not getting the flu shot for two reasons 1) its created based on a prediction of what the flu virus will look like that year and as such is often not that effective (see recent announcement "we think this one will be much better than last year-CDC) and 2) I live in South Florida where winters arent that cold and as such the season isnt as long. Plus I don't intend to expose baby to much for those first months. As far as dictating what others should do about their own vaccination schedule, that's so none of my business. I trust the important people in our lives(which are the only ones that will have access) to make themselves scarce when they think they might be sick.
I've worked with kids for 6-7 years and have occasionally (3 times maybe) gotten the flu shot. DH doesnt ever get the flu shot for misc issues but his risk level is usually low. I've never had the flu but decided to get the Tdap vaccine last week only because of all the whopping cough commercials I remember from last season. It made me super tired the day after and my arm was a little sore around the injections site- not a big deal. However I kind of regret getting it now, I mean none of these things have ever happened in any of my or his family and there are small children in both. I'm all for vaccines or meds but there has to be a solid reason for them and I find myself thinking I may have rushed into this. Definitely not getting the flu shot for two reasons 1) its created based on a prediction of what the flu virus will look like that year and as such is often not that effective (see recent announcement "we think this one will be much better than last year-CDC) and 2) I live in South Florida where winters arent that cold and as such the season isnt as long. Plus I don't intend to expose baby to much for those first months. As far as dictating what others should do about their own vaccination schedule, that's so none of my business. I trust the important people in our lives(which are the only ones that will have access) to make themselves scarce when they think they might be sick.
Just because you or DH have never had the flu doesn't mean you are low risk. It's really not about protecting yourselves, it's about protecting your infant, which will have a fragile immune system, from potentially fatal disease.
Just because this hasn't happened to anyone in your family doesn't mean that it won't happen to you. That's not how flu and pertussis work, unfortunately.
That's great that you don't intend to expose your baby to these infections. I'm sure none of the parents who end up with children in the hospital with these diseases intended to expose them either.
Lastly, these infections can be spread before people are exhibiting symptoms, so simply asking people to stay away when they feel sick isn't going to prevent your child from potentially getting sick.
I'm glad you got the TDAP, for your child's sake and the sake of others who are immunocompromised in your community.
Just got mine today and I'll be 31 weeks on Monday. They recommend the vaccine in the 3rd trimester to protect baby. If your partner or husband has gotten it since they've been an adult then they don't need it again. Same with grandparents if they've already gotten it. Only the pregnant mom gets it again for the baby.
This is not entirely accurate. Tdap is only good for 10 years, and recent studies have indicated that the pertussis needs a booster every 5 years. For this reason my husband is getting his updated, even though he got his Tdap 7 years ago. Grandparents are also getting updated.
I was told this by the nurse who administered my shot yesterday so not sure. She did say it's good for 10 years. Our oldest is almost 3 so my parents and husband are good not to need another one. I'll be sure to ask my doc next week just to be sure.
Recent studies have shown that 4 years after receiving the vaccination only 3/10 people still show immunity to pertussis.
@Unica1302+ it doesn't really matter if you have never had the flu or pertussis, or that you don't plan on exposing them that isn't going to protect your child. I don't think any parent plans to expose their child to potentially fatal diseases.
Many times people of contagious before showing symptoms.
With the flu shot, even when the vaccination is not a great match it still provides some protection. Flu viruses have the same protein back bones, with certain changes between strains. Getting the flu shot gives your body a head start in developing immunity to the correct strain. Helping to decrease the length and/or severity of the illness.
2) I live in South Florida where winters arent that cold and as such the season isnt as long.
Fellow South Floridian here. I dunno about you but there are tourists from all over the world down here and I'm around them constantly. Definitely a recipe for catching some funky stuff and personally, I'm gonna do what I can to prevent it.
I have had whooping cough as an adult. It was the worst experience of my life and left me with cough induced asthma and recurrent sinus problems that require daily medication. I will avoid this at all costs for my LO. I had the flu once, that was also enough for me. I get my flu shot yearly. I also need the rhogam shot. It is what it is.
Speaking of flu shots, I had some unpleasant reactions to mine before and asked my OB whether I should get one. She strongly recommended it -- not just for the baby, but while you are pregnant you are much more susceptible to flu -- and apparently with strains like N1H1, if your flu were to turn into pneumonia, you have something like a 25% of dying. This is pretty different from a healthy non-pregnant adult.
I figured that with all the prenatal hospital visits, this may be a worthwhile precaution.
I've worked with kids for 6-7 years and have occasionally (3 times maybe) gotten the flu shot. DH doesnt ever get the flu shot for misc issues but his risk level is usually low. I've never had the flu but decided to get the Tdap vaccine last week only because of all the whopping cough commercials I remember from last season. It made me super tired the day after and my arm was a little sore around the injections site- not a big deal. However I kind of regret getting it now, I mean none of these things have ever happened in any of my or his family and there are small children in both. I'm all for vaccines or meds but there has to be a solid reason for them and I find myself thinking I may have rushed into this. Definitely not getting the flu shot for two reasons 1) its created based on a prediction of what the flu virus will look like that year and as such is often not that effective (see recent announcement "we think this one will be much better than last year-CDC) and 2) I live in South Florida where winters arent that cold and as such the season isnt as long. Plus I don't intend to expose baby to much for those first months. As far as dictating what others should do about their own vaccination schedule, that's so none of my business. I trust the important people in our lives(which are the only ones that will have access) to make themselves scarce when they think they might be sick.
You realize that whooping cough isn't hereditary right? It's contagious. That's like saying my family has never has never had the flu so neither will my children or myself.
For those saying that they'll just tell people who are sick to stay away, the flu can be contagious a few days before you show symptoms and a few days after so they could already be passing it around and not know it. Plus, for a lot of adults, there's not always vomiting involved so you think you may just have a cold or something else. I had the flu last Christmas, felt gross and like I had a bad cold until I woke up one morning and it felt like a razor in my throat. Never had taken a flu shot before that. So getting one this year, for baby and myself.
I haven't gotten a flu shot for almost five years now. But now that I have a little one on the way? You better believe I'm getting one. And whatever else my doctors recommend. Because, you know, science.
Note: I wasn't NOT getting them for any particular reason, just never got around to it. Super procrastinator over here.
I'm getting the flu shot and already got the Tdap this pregnancy. My 1yo son got a flu shot last year and will get his next month along with DH. Anything we can do to reduce risk of our kids catching something potentially deadly and preventable we do as parents.
Kids touch everything and put everything in their mouths so thinking you can prevent the flu by avoiding "the sick" is a crap strategy. Inevitably you will need go to the grocery store or public place and surprise surprise, share someone's germs.
Ceridwen77- Let me clarify- my husband cannot take the flu vaccine, as in for medical reason he is not allowed to take it.
QueenWaldorf5- omg!! really it not hereditary?? Absolutely do not know what I would do with your vital comments.... Yeah I know exactly how this works...thanks
No I am not saying I'm low risk, I am actually saying I am very high risk because I've always worked in the field with children and families year round. What I am trying to point out is that even though I am high risk I haven't been sick. My mother and mother in law are nurses who taught both my DH and I that hygiene and self care go a long long way. Not implying that this is a replacement for medicine or a fix for everyone but it does work for me. And no I am not saying none of my or his family has ever gotten the flu- I'm sure someone must have in the last few years but its very very rare. Of course no new mother wants to expose their child to illness but unfortunately some babies have to be placed in outside home care as early as 4-6 weeks- these babies need that vaccine much more than babies who are not going to be in outside care. I am lucky to be able to stay with my baby for 3 months and after I'll be leaving her with my mother only 3 days a week in a home with no other children or risk factors (my mom is retiring). Some if not most all vaccines are very mandatory and needed for public safety but the flu- its more of an assessment of personal risk based on each individuals situation (my belief and practice). Tdap I could see as more as a "needed" vaccine but for children not every single adult around them.
Ceridwen77- Let me clarify- my husband cannot take the flu vaccine, as in for medical reason he is not allowed to take it.
QueenWaldorf5- omg!! really it not hereditary?? Absolutely do not know what I would do with your vital comments.... Yeah I know exactly how this works...thanks
No I am not saying I'm low risk, I am actually saying I am very high risk because I've always worked in the field with children and families year round. What I am trying to point out is that even though I am high risk I haven't been sick. My mother and mother in law are nurses who taught both my DH and I that hygiene and self care go a long long way. Not implying that this is a replacement for medicine or a fix for everyone but it does work for me. And no I am not saying none of my or his family has ever gotten the flu- I'm sure someone must have in the last few years but its very very rare. Of course no new mother wants to expose their child to illness but unfortunately some babies have to be placed in outside home care as early as 4-6 weeks- these babies need that vaccine much more than babies who are not going to be in outside care. I am lucky to be able to stay with my baby for 3 months and after I'll be leaving her with my mother only 3 days a week in a home with no other children or risk factors (my mom is retiring). Some if not most all vaccines are very mandatory and needed for public safety but the flu- its more of an assessment of personal risk based on each individuals situation (my belief and practice). Tdap I could see as more as a "needed" vaccine but for children not every single adult around them.
You can pass a virus to someone without ever presenting with symptoms. What you may be able to fight off (never noticing that you were exposed) could kill a baby or elderly person. You can keep your baby in your house and only with your mom but viruses and bacteria are on surfaces that we touch every day. The credit card terminal at Target, the door handle at the restaurant, the mail you get out of the mailbox every day, etc. I agree that you are lucky that you don't have to send your baby to a facility and that may make it less likely that he/she will be exposed to something, but why risk it? It's not like there is a 50/50 chance of dropping dead from the flu shot. I have never had one in my life because if I get sick it's my own damn problem. But shit's different this year. I will have a child who depends on me to keep him as safe as possible and you better believe that I'll be doing everything in my power to do just that.
Ceridwen77- Let me clarify- my husband cannot take the flu vaccine, as in for medical reason he is not allowed to take it.
QueenWaldorf5- omg!! really it not hereditary?? Absolutely do not know what I would do with your vital comments.... Yeah I know exactly how this works...thanks
No I am not saying I'm low risk, I am actually saying I am very high risk because I've always worked in the field with children and families year round. What I am trying to point out is that even though I am high risk I haven't been sick. My mother and mother in law are nurses who taught both my DH and I that hygiene and self care go a long long way. Not implying that this is a replacement for medicine or a fix for everyone but it does work for me. And no I am not saying none of my or his family has ever gotten the flu- I'm sure someone must have in the last few years but its very very rare. Of course no new mother wants to expose their child to illness but unfortunately some babies have to be placed in outside home care as early as 4-6 weeks- these babies need that vaccine much more than babies who are not going to be in outside care. I am lucky to be able to stay with my baby for 3 months and after I'll be leaving her with my mother only 3 days a week in a home with no other children or risk factors (my mom is retiring). Some if not most all vaccines are very mandatory and needed for public safety but the flu- its more of an assessment of personal risk based on each individuals situation (my belief and practice). Tdap I could see as more as a "needed" vaccine but for children not every single adult around them.
Because the Tdap only lasts for 10 years it is vital that the adults in a baby's life (ie most likely point of exposure) be vaccinated. With pertussis you can be contagious before you show symptoms. The only way herd immunity works is if the bulk of those who can get vaccinated do, regardless of whether or not your child will go to daycare if you and the other caretakers are not in a bubble for the entire time your child is unvaccinated you are risking exposure.
Am I the only one that actually read the package insert from the manufacturer of the vaccine? It states "animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with adacel vaccine. It is also not known whether adacel vaccine can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Adacel vaccine should only be given to a pregnant woman if clearly needed." This is a class c drug.
Keeping your child at home decreases their risk of exposure to illness but doesn't eliminate it. Someone in the household goes to work right? What about the grocery store? 95% of infants that get pertussis get it from a family member or caregiver. If you are susceptible you are putting your child at risk. Period.
As a person who has had pertussis, I can confirm that you are contagious before you ever have any symptoms. By the time you get the whoop you have actually been contagious for over a week.
As a physician, people often assume that the worst part of my job is taking care of an infant that does. They are close to correct. The actual worst part of my job is taking care of an infant that dies which could have been prevented. Then the parents are dealing with grief on top of guilt.
Avoiding the flu and pertussis vaccines is putting your child at risk. As a parent you will have to make a thousand decisions that involve the safety of your child and it is your choice but please don't think that by staying home or good hygeine or the fact that you have been lucky enough to never be sick that it means your child is completely safe.
As for the comment above that it is a class C medication, so are tums and aspirin (medications pregnant women regularly take). In fact so are most medications as it is nearly impossible to IRB and FDA approval for the appropriate studies. Even zofran which is technically classB currently has lawsuits due to birth defects. Nothing about pregnancy is without risk.
Keeping your child at home decreases their risk of exposure to illness but doesn't eliminate it. Someone in the household goes to work right? What about the grocery store? 95% of infants that get pertussis get it from a family member or caregiver. If you are susceptible you are putting your child at risk. Period.
As a person who has had pertussis, I can confirm that you are contagious before you ever have any symptoms. By the time you get the whoop you have actually been contagious for over a week.
As a physician, people often assume that the worst part of my job is taking care of an infant that does. They are close to correct. The actual worst part of my job is taking care of an infant that dies which could have been prevented. Then the parents are dealing with grief on top of guilt.
Avoiding the flu and pertussis vaccines is putting your child at risk. As a parent you will have to make a thousand decisions that involve the safety of your child and it is your choice but please don't think that by staying home or good hygeine or the fact that you have been lucky enough to never be sick that it means your child is completely safe.
As for the comment above that it is a class C medication, so are tums and aspirin (medications pregnant women regularly take). In fact so are most medications as it is nearly impossible to IRB and FDA approval for the appropriate studies. Even zofran which is technically classB currently has lawsuits due to birth defects. Nothing about pregnancy is without risk.
I agree with you almost entirely, but I thought aspirin during pregnancy was not recommended due to increased risk of complications and so Tylenol is suggested instead.
If there's something strange underneath the hood. Who you gonna call? Your Doctor. If there's something weird and it don't look good. Who you gonna call? Your Doctor. Immediately. If it's new, painful, and possibly pregnancy related get your ass off the internet and call your doctor. It's for your health and your child's.
Just got mine today and I'll be 31 weeks on Monday. They recommend the vaccine in the 3rd trimester to protect baby. If your partner or husband has gotten it since they've been an adult then they don't need it again. Same with grandparents if they've already gotten it. Only the pregnant mom gets it again for the baby.
This is not entirely accurate. Tdap is only good for 10 years, and recent studies have indicated that the pertussis needs a booster every 5 years. For this reason my husband is getting his updated, even though he got his Tdap 7 years ago. Grandparents are also getting updated.
I was told this by the nurse who administered my shot yesterday so not sure. She did say it's good for 10 years. Our oldest is almost 3 so my parents and husband are good not to need another one. I'll be sure to ask my doc next week just to be sure.
Recent studies have shown that 4 years after receiving the vaccination only 3/10 people still show immunity to pertussis.
@Unica1302+ it doesn't really matter if you have never had the flu or pertussis, or that you don't plan on exposing them that isn't going to protect your child. I don't think any parent plans to expose their child to potentially fatal diseases.
Many times people of contagious before showing symptoms.
With the flu shot, even when the vaccination is not a great match it still provides some protection. Flu viruses have the same protein back bones, with certain changes between strains. Getting the flu shot gives your body a head start in developing immunity to the correct strain. Helping to decrease the length and/or severity of the illness.
Still sounds like we're in the clear.. My son is only 2.5 years old. We'll definitely remember to next year though. Thanks for the info
Re: Tdap (whooping cough) vaccine
I got whopping cough in high school. I was sick for 6 months, had scares of being alone somewhere and would start coughing so bad I couldn't get air in. Then there was the throwing up from coughing. Compromised my immune system enough that I ended up with sinusitis too. I would do anything to make sure my kids can avoid that.
I get mine at 28 weeks next week, and I will accept the pain that I've been told comes with it.
Tdap is only good for 10 years, and recent studies have indicated that the pertussis needs a booster every 5 years. For this reason my husband is getting his updated, even though he got his Tdap 7 years ago. Grandparents are also getting updated.
All of our family agreed to get updated if needed, but had it been an issue this is what I would have told them.
Just because this hasn't happened to anyone in your family doesn't mean that it won't happen to you. That's not how flu and pertussis work, unfortunately.
That's great that you don't intend to expose your baby to these infections. I'm sure none of the parents who end up with children in the hospital with these diseases intended to expose them either.
Lastly, these infections can be spread before people are exhibiting symptoms, so simply asking people to stay away when they feel sick isn't going to prevent your child from potentially getting sick.
I'm glad you got the TDAP, for your child's sake and the sake of others who are immunocompromised in your community.
@Unica1302+ it doesn't really matter if you have never had the flu or pertussis, or that you don't plan on exposing them that isn't going to protect your child. I don't think any parent plans to expose their child to potentially fatal diseases.
Many times people of contagious before showing symptoms.
With the flu shot, even when the vaccination is not a great match it still provides some protection. Flu viruses have the same protein back bones, with certain changes between strains. Getting the flu shot gives your body a head start in developing immunity to the correct strain. Helping to decrease the length and/or severity of the illness.
I figured that with all the prenatal hospital visits, this may be a worthwhile precaution.
It's contagious.
That's like saying my family has never has never had the flu so neither will my children or myself.
Note: I wasn't NOT getting them for any particular reason, just never got around to it. Super procrastinator over here.
Kids touch everything and put everything in their mouths so thinking you can prevent the flu by avoiding "the sick" is a crap strategy. Inevitably you will need go to the grocery store or public place and surprise surprise, share someone's germs.
As a person who has had pertussis, I can confirm that you are contagious before you ever have any symptoms. By the time you get the whoop you have actually been contagious for over a week.
As a physician, people often assume that the worst part of my job is taking care of an infant that does. They are close to correct. The actual worst part of my job is taking care of an infant that dies which could have been prevented. Then the parents are dealing with grief on top of guilt.
Avoiding the flu and pertussis vaccines is putting your child at risk. As a parent you will have to make a thousand decisions that involve the safety of your child and it is your choice but please don't think that by staying home or good hygeine or the fact that you have been lucky enough to never be sick that it means your child is completely safe.
As for the comment above that it is a class C medication, so are tums and aspirin (medications pregnant women regularly take). In fact so are most medications as it is nearly impossible to IRB and FDA approval for the appropriate studies. Even zofran which is technically classB currently has lawsuits due to birth defects. Nothing about pregnancy is without risk.
I agree with you almost entirely, but I thought aspirin during pregnancy was not recommended due to increased risk of complications and so Tylenol is suggested instead.
Still sounds like we're in the clear.. My son is only 2.5 years old. We'll definitely remember to next year though. Thanks for the info