Maternal Immunizations

One of the easiest ways you can protect both yourself and your baby during pregnancy is to be up to date on all of your vaccinations. Some vaccinations are even recommended to be given during pregnancy in order to provide better immunity for your baby after they are born, but unable to get certain vaccines themselves. Sometimes it can be confusing to know what vaccinations are safe to get during pregnancy and which ones are not recommended. Here we will provide a general guide for current maternal immunization recommendations, but remember to always check with your provider to see what is best for you and your baby.

How do vaccines work?

Your immune system produces antibodies when it has been infected with a virus or bacteria. These antibodies help fight off the infection and while this process is occurring, people usually experience the symptoms of the infection. Vaccines are a way to fast track this process. They can either be live, but weakened versions of the virus, or killed versions of parts —or even the whole— germ. The goal of both types of vaccine is to trigger your body to produce antibodies without actually getting sick. Some people experience mild symptoms with vaccines like soreness, fatigue, and a low-grade fever. Severe infection is extremely rare from vaccines.

What vaccines are right for me?

Some of the most common vaccines for women to get while they are pregnant are the Tdap and Flu vaccines. The Tdap vaccine is recommended for women between weeks 27 and 36 of pregnancy. Getting this vaccine during this period allows for not only mom to be protected, but baby is provided with immunity for months after birth. The flu vaccine, on the other hand, is safe to be given at any point during pregnancy. This can help prevent flu-related pregnancy complications in both you and baby.

While some vaccines are safe during pregnancy, live (attenuated) vaccines are NOT recommended during pregnancy. If you receive a live vaccine and then find out you are pregnant, consult with your doctor.

As you can see from the list shown in the image above, many vaccinations are recommended for you to get more than a month before you become pregnant. If you are planning on becoming pregnant, this is a great way to help prepare your body. If you are already pregnant, don’t worry! The most important/beneficial vaccines are still available to you at some point during your pregnancy. Always consult with your doctor if you are at high risk of contracting a certain virus that you may be considering a vaccine for.

Allison RollansSeptember 1, 2024maternal immunizations, vaccines, covid, flu, tdap, prenatal, pregnancyComment

“Having a doula was such an amazing experience. They were there for me throughout my pregnancy answering any questions or concerns that came up, no matter what time of day. They talked me and my husband through every stage and step of labor, helping us ease our worries.”

M.P. — 1st time parent

"High Country Doulas proved to be an excellent resource to turn to when approaching the many unknown situations we would encounter during our first pregnancy. I am glad we made the decision to work with them and continue to be thankful for their help."

– Tim S. First-time dad

"Having someone there who could help us weigh our options and make informed decisions was crucial. I am so glad I chose to work with High Country Doulas and highly recommend them!"

– Parker C. First-time mom

"From the first trimester through early postpartum, our doula team was a source of wisdom and compassion. Thanks to their support, I felt like an active participant in my care, and I came away with only happy memories of my birth experience."

– Ariel S. First-time mom

"We could not have asked for a more positive birth experience and know that much of this is because of High Country Doulas. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping us bring our daughter into the world!"

– Ashley P. Professor, ASU & First time mom

Maternal Immunizations

How do vaccines work?

What vaccines are right for me?

WHERE WE WORK

SERVICES & SPECIALTIES

Travel

Kind words >>>>

“Kaitlyn helped me so much during my birth. She was so supportive and kind.”

"These ladies create such a genuinely loving atmosphere in all that they do. You are an exceptional group of women!"

"I can honestly say I would not have survived those subsequent weeks of motherhood physically and mentally without their help. They are simply incredible!”

"I made a last-minute decision to hire a doula and my husband and I are so glad we did. We highly recommend High Country Doulas. If you're on the fence---go for it!"

"High Country Doulas proved to be an excellent resource to turn to when approaching the many unknown situations we would encounter during our first pregnancy. I am glad we made the decision to work with them and continue to be thankful for their help."

"Having someone there who could help us weigh our options and make informed decisions was crucial. I am so glad I chose to work with High Country Doulas and highly recommend them!"

"From the first trimester through early postpartum, our doula team was a source of wisdom and compassion. Thanks to their support, I felt like an active participant in my care, and I came away with only happy memories of my birth experience."

"Every aspect of our doula experience was helpful, from prenatal classes to postpartum care!”

"We could not have asked for a more positive birth experience and know that much of this is because of High Country Doulas. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping us bring our daughter into the world!"

"The staff was extremely professional and flexible...The service is 5 stars!"

"Our doula listened to every want and need...she even knew what I needed before I did!"

"Our doula helped my husband feel deeply connected to every aspect of the experience"