Tetanus shots during pregnancy, what are the risks for the development of the fetus?

Is it necessary to get tetanus (TT) injections or immunization during pregnancy? Ideally, the vaccine injection or tetanus immunization is done before pregnancy to prevent the risk of tetanus in pregnant women and babies. Are there any risks or effects of TT injection immunization in pregnant women? Here's the full explanation!

What is the effect of tetanus (TT) on pregnant women?

Tetanus is caused by toxins from bacteriaClostridium tetani. These bacteria can be found in dust in the house, human and animal waste, and rusted iron.

It should be noted that even during pregnancy, tetanus occurs when bacteria enter the body through an open wound.

Although tetanus cannot be passed from person to person, this condition can still cause pregnancy complications in the baby if the pregnant woman has not been immunized.

Tetanus in newborns is common in developing countries and is very deadly.

Quoted from Mother to Baby, tetanus and diphtheria infections in pregnant women can cause premature babies to die in the womb.

The bacteria that cause tetanus generally attack deep skin wounds, such as stab wounds, animal bites, burns, cuts, or ulcers.

However, you should also not let your guard down, as these bacteria can also infect puncture wounds or small scratches on the skin.

Bacteria that enter through the wound will release toxic exotoxins that spread through the bloodstream and lymph nodes.

The exotoxin then affects the nerve cells causing muscle stiffness and spasms.

This condition is considered severe enough because it can tear muscles, cause fractures, or put heavy pressure on the spine.

Tetanus prevention is important because tetanus infection can affect the nervous system and can be fatal if left untreated.

Is it okay to get tetanus (TT) in pregnant women?

Generally, vaccines containing a killed (attenuated) virus can be given during pregnancy. However, vaccines containing live viruses are not recommended for pregnant women.

Tetanus immunization (TT) is included in the list of vaccines that need to be given to pregnant women.

If a woman has not received the vaccine before becoming pregnant, now immunization or TT injection to pregnant women during pregnancy is classified as safe to do.

Quoting from the Mayo Clinic, one dose of injection or TT vaccine during pregnancy is highly recommended to prevent the fetus from experiencing whooping cough or pertussis.

Tetanus injection can also prevent the risk of tetanus to the mother and the fetus in the womb.

In the first pregnancy, doctors will recommend two shots of tetanus immunization (TT) in pregnant women.

Apart from vaccines or TT immunization, there are four other types of vaccines used to protect pregnant women from tetanus and other diseases, namely:

Diphtheria and tetanus (DT) vaccine.
Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis).
Tetanus and diphtheria (TD) vaccine.
DTap vaccine (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis).

When should TT immunization be done?

Most doctors give the first injection of TT immunization in the third trimester of pregnancy. This is done so that the baby can get as many antibodies from the mother as possible.

Not only that, these antibodies can also provide protection so that your baby doesn't get whooping cough before he gets his own vaccine.

Usually, TT injections during pregnancy are given at seven months of gestation or around 27-36 weeks.

It should be noted that the interval between each injection is about 4 weeks.

Not only that, there are doctors who may give you TT immunization in the first trimester of pregnancy, as soon as you test positive for pregnancy.

Then, the second injection is given at least four weeks after the first injection.

Meanwhile, WHO also recommended giving the third injection at six months after the second injection.

This third injection aims to provide protection for at least the next five years.

Is it necessary to re-immunize pregnant women with TT?

If you become pregnant again within two years of giving birth, giving pregnant women immunizations or TT shots will depend on the history of vaccines.

Then, if in a previous pregnancy you have had two doses of tetanus shots, your doctor will only recommend a booster shot.

When the distance between the first and second pregnancies is far enough, the doctor will first assess your condition to determine the need for a tetanus shot.

Side effects of injection of TT immunization in pregnant women

Generally, any immunization including TT immunization does not cause side effects, either on the baby or pregnant women.

If there are risks or side effects, they are usually mild and harmless, such as:

Redness and pain at the injection site
Mild fever
Gag

In very rare cases, tetanus (TT) immunization in pregnant women can cause serious side effects, namely:

Fever above 40 degrees Celsius
Convulsions
Severe allergies (anaphylactic shock)

However, it should be noted again that the side effects described above are very rare.

We recommend that you consult and check with your obstetrician first before doing tetanus (TT) injections while pregnant. Especially, if you have a history of allergies.

If you've heard the myth of pregnant women when vaccines cause defects in babies, this is not true.

In addition to preventing infection by immunization or vaccines, choose a delivery house that is kept clean to prevent exposure to disease-causing bacteria.