These tests will help your doctor give you precise guidance to prepare your body for a healthy baby.
Health & Safety
What should I know about being healthy and safe while pregnant?
You are probably wondering about what you need to avoid to ensure a healthy pregnancy. When you are pregnant, your immune system will not be as strong as before, therefore you are more likely to be susceptible to infections. You may want to talk to your doctor about vaccinations that are safe for you. Here are some vaccines you may want to consider or avoid indefinitely:
Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine
Measles is a viral infection. Some signs and symptoms include mild fever, cough, runny nose which are followed by spotted red rash after a couple of days. Mumps is also a contagious viral infection that causes the salivary glands to swell. If you are infected with either one during pregnancy, the risk of miscarriage is high. The rubella virus, also called German measles, presents flu-like symptoms which are often followed by a rash. Up to 85% of babies of mothers who contract it during the first trimester tend to develop serious birth defects, such as hearing loss and intellectual disabilities. This vaccine clearly is not safe to take during pregnancy. You would typically need to wait for 1 to 3 months after receiving the MMR vaccine before getting pregnant. Please consult with a doctor for a more accurate gauge of the matter.
Chickenpox vaccine
Chickenpox is an extremely contagious viral disease that causes fever and an uncomfortable, itchy rash. About 2% of babies of mothers who develop chickenpox during the first five months of pregnancy might have birth defects, including malformed and paralyzed limbs. A mother who develops chickenpox around the time of delivery can also pass down a life-threatening form of the infection to her baby. This vaccine is considered not safe during pregnancy, and therefore it is best to consult with your doctor before getting pregnant.
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