Marla Ahlgrimm | Vaccines And Pregnancy

Marla AhlgrimmMarla Ahlgrimm says that an unfortunately small number of women are vaccinated against serious issues while they are pregnant. She explains that the flu and whooping cough vaccines may save lives when a woman is expecting.

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, the Centers for Disease Control recommends a whooping cough vaccine, also known as a TDAP, at the beginning of the third trimester. The agency also suggests that pregnant women receive a flu vaccine. She explains that these vaccinations are not only to protect the mom but also the newborn baby. Antibodies built up after the vaccine are passed to the baby, which is then born with some level of protection against these diseases.

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that antibodies are built up after approximately two weeks. They are passed through the placenta to the baby.

Marla AhlgrimmThe flu vaccine can reduce the risk of hospitalization due to influenza by 40% for pregnant women. Marla Ahlgrimm notes that babies less than six months old are 72% less likely to enter the hospital because of the flu if their mother received the vaccine in utero.

When it comes to whooping cough, a vaccine lowers the risk of serious consequences on a baby less than two months old by nearly 80% and lessens the chance of being admitted in the hospital before eight weeks of age by more than 90%.

The bottom line is that vaccines are important for pregnant women. The flu vaccine and the whooping cough vaccine are two of the most important. Unfortunately, Marla Ahlgrimm explains that nearly 40% of pregnant women are not aware that these vaccines are available and necessary.

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