vaccination during pregnancy

[chrismon]

Hi,

I just found out two days ago that I am pregnant ( 5 weeks). The problem is that I was vaccinated 8 days ago for Hepatites , Varicella and Rubella. Is there a danger for the baby because of these vaccinations?

Thank you.

[Keith Downing, MD]

Hello,

Some vaccinations are okay during pregnancy, while others are contra-indicated.  

The Hepatitis A&B vaccines are both okay to administer during pregnancy.

The Rubella and Varicella vaccines should be avoided in pregnancy.  However, regarding Rubella, no congenital rubella syndrome-like defects have been observed in the offspring of women vaccinated just before or inadvertently during pregnancy, and therefore, termination of pregnancy should not be recommended solely on the basis of a theoretical risk of a fetal side effect.

Similarly, varicella vaccine should not be administered to pregnant women and pregnancy should be avoided for one month following each dose of vaccine.

A VARIVAX registry has been created to track pregnancy outcomes when vaccination occurred within three months of or during pregnancy (1-800-986-8999). After 10 years, no cases of congenital varicella syndrome had been identified.  Nevertheless, this doesn't absolutely assure the safety of vaccine administration during pregnancy. But similar to Rubella, varicella vaccination during pregnancy should not be considered an indication for pregnancy termination.

Lastly, I would add, Influenza (the Flu) immunization is recommended for any woman who will be pregnant or postpartum during the flu season.

Best regards,

Dr. Downing

[honey1982]

just some advice it is always good to get more than one opinion dont terminate your pregnancy just because one doctor says so go to more that one there was a lady on the forum who said that her doctor told her to do a d and c and she didint do that she said she jsut need a second opionion well she got her blood drawn and the hormones had shot back to where they were suppose to be and now she is having her bundle of joy. i know these are two differnt scenarios but i would reconsider. you never know miracles really do happen.

[chrismon]

Hello Dr Downing,

Thanks for your answer. I guess I will have to take a decision in the next two weeks.
It was just bad timimg between my family doctor and the fertility specialist. My family doctor recommended to terminate this pregnancy . It is very hard to take this decision when you want a child so badly, but I do not think I can live with this fear for 9 months.
Thanks again.