International Prenatal Infection Prevention Month is held every February to bring attention to the diseases and infections a mother can pass on to the child. Prenatal infections consist of both bacterial and viral diseases, and they can be passed on to the child either during birth or during pregnancy. In 2016 alone, around 2.6 million infants died from prenatal infections in their first month of life. Another 700,000 infants die a year from other infections. Work has been done to prevent such deaths; however, it is still a major issue. Find the best obstetricians in Snellville to learn about all the ways you can prevent infecting an infant during or before childbirth.
Some diseases - such as hepatitis B, rubella, and varicella - are significantly risky for children during childbirth. The good news is, all of these diseases are preventable with vaccines. There are many instances where using a vaccine on the mother has more benefits than risks according to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. It is possible to gauge the likelihood that disease is transmitted to the child, and professionals can take appropriate measures to prevent infection. Contact Gwinnett OB/GYN to find out why we offer the best obstetrician services and learn more.
The best time to get immunized is before becoming pregnant. Making sure you are up to date on all your immunizations before becoming pregnant is a great way to keep your future child safe. Some vaccines are not advised to be administered during pregnancy. This means it is very important to consult with the best obstetricians in Snellville before deciding it is time to have a baby. It is also not uncommon for women to have abnormal bleeding possible in the first trimester and should still consider consulting with a Gwinnett OB/GYN.
The influenza vaccine is one of the vaccines that most professionals will recommend to women while they are pregnant. Regardless of trimester, it is important to make sure a common viral infection like the flu doesn't become a problem during childbirth. The flu can even cause premature childbirth in many situations. The flu vaccine will even help with the child's immune system post-birth. This is important because it isn't recommended for infants to receive the flu vaccine. This way the child will remain immunized against the flu without ever directly receiving the shot.
The importance of vaccinating yourself doesn't end after the child is born. The newborn baby can still benefit from their mother being vaccinated even after birth. The child will be spending its first several years close to the mother. A vaccinated mother will reduce their child's exposure to certain diseases until the child is old enough to be vaccinated itself.
A Gwinnett OB/GYN can help you understand your options whether you are already pregnant or considering having a baby. Give us a call if you have any questions or have any potential concerns for your child's wellbeing. We can discuss any options you have and have you on your way to a healthy pregnancy.
