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Why Pregnant Moms Should Definitely Consider Getting Their Whooping Cough Booster
If you’ve been paying attention at all, you know that whooping cough (pertussis) cases are spiking across the United States. Whether it’s the anti-vax movement or just the plain old waning effectiveness of the DTaP vaccine — the one in use since the mid-1990s — the numbers aren’t looking good. Studies suggest that the vaccine’s power starts to fade sooner than we thought, particularly after that last booster at ages 4 to 6.
Let’s be real: Whooping cough isn’t just some annoying cough to toughen up our immune systems. It’s a serious illness that can lead to violent coughing fits (complete with that distinctive “whoop”) lasting for weeks! These episodes can leave you feeling drained and even lead to vomiting.
The real danger, however, lies in our tiniest humans — newborns, especially those under two months old, who are too young to receive their first DTaP vaccine. Each year, between 10,000 and 50,000 cases are reported, with many of those leading to hospitalization. Tragically, around 10 to 20 infants die from this preventable disease annually. Just think of the heartache when you see a baby on a ventilator; it should be enough to make anyone take this illness seriously. A mom named Sarah recently shared her experience with her little one, Max, who was hospitalized at just 6 weeks due to whooping cough, urging everyone to vaccinate not just for their own sake but for babies like Max.
What Can Expectant Mothers Do?
So, what can expectant mothers do to protect their little ones? Since 2013, the CDC has recommended that all pregnant women receive a Tdap booster during their pregnancy, ideally between the 27th and 36th week. This timing allows your body to generate antibodies that can be passed on to your baby. The CDC emphasizes that this booster should be administered with every pregnancy, regardless of how close they are.
Now, you might be wondering why the shot is so critical. Your baby won’t get their first DTaP vaccination until they’re 2 months old, and with whooping cough on the rise, they need all the armor they can get. If you’re still skeptical about the CDC’s advice, new research from the Kaiser Permanente Vaccine Study Center shows that babies whose moms received the Tdap booster during pregnancy are 91% less likely to contract whooping cough in their first two months, the most vulnerable period. Plus, these babies are also 69% less likely to catch the disease during their entire first year. Those are some solid odds!
I completely understand why some might feel uneasy about getting vaccinated while pregnant. When I was having my kids, this wasn’t even a recommendation yet, and I would have needed a little nudge to get over my own fears (you know, the good old irrational fear of needles!). But knowing that this shot is safe, effective, and essentially a life-saver for your baby should make it easier to take the plunge.
And even though I don’t have plans to get pregnant again anytime soon, I’m definitely going to ask my doctor about getting a Tdap booster next time I’m there — after all, it’s not just about me and my kids, but also about all the little newborns out there who shouldn’t have to fight for their lives against a vaccine-preventable disease. If you haven’t done so already, you should consider doing the same!
Additional Resources
For even more insights, check out our other piece on intracervical insemination, where you can learn about various methods and tips. If you’re curious about home insemination, Make A Mom is a fantastic resource for all things related. And don’t forget to listen to this excellent podcast for more information about pregnancy and fertility.
Conclusion
In summary, protecting your baby from whooping cough should be a top priority for all pregnant moms. The Tdap booster not only safeguards your health but also provides critical immunity to your newborn during those first vulnerable months. Don’t hesitate — get that vaccine!