In the ever-evolving landscape of pregnancy guidelines, one critical message remains clear: expectant mothers should receive a whooping cough vaccine. This illness can be particularly dangerous for infants, but vaccination has proven to be an effective means of prevention. A mother from Australia, named Sarah, recently shared her harrowing experience of unknowingly transmitting whooping cough to her newborn, in hopes of urging other women to prioritize vaccination.
In a heartfelt video shared by the Gold Coast Health Facebook page, Sarah recounts her journey. She describes herself as a “healthy and active individual” who initially hesitated to accept the pertussis vaccine during her third trimester. Unfortunately, shortly before her baby was born, she fell ill and subsequently passed the infection to her infant. Sarah and her newborn, Mia, have spent over three weeks in the hospital as a result.
At first, Sarah thought the illness was manageable, but Mia’s coughing soon escalated to a point reminiscent of a “horror movie.” Sarah recalls, “She was coughing so violently that she turned blue, struggling to breathe. We rushed to the hospital.” Mia was eventually admitted to the ICU, and Sarah describes watching her child’s painful recovery as “heart-wrenching.”
Sarah’s primary goal now is to convey the serious nature of whooping cough and the importance of taking preventative measures. “Even as someone who prides herself on being healthy, I contracted whooping cough,” she states. “Mia is now four weeks old, and every hour spent in the hospital is agonizing as I watch her struggle for breath.” If she could turn back time, Sarah would have chosen to protect herself and her baby.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly recommends that all pregnant women receive the whooping cough vaccine during their third trimester. This vaccination helps generate protective antibodies that are transferred to the unborn baby, providing crucial immunity. The antibodies peak roughly two weeks post-vaccination, which is why timing is essential.
Many women may not realize the significance of this recommendation, as it is relatively new. For instance, when I first had a child in 2011, the guidance was to receive the vaccine only after giving birth. By the time my second child arrived three years later, the protocol had changed to include vaccination during pregnancy. I remember questioning the necessity since I had been vaccinated not long ago. However, most healthcare professionals assert that it is essential. The CDC notes that there is no blood test available to confirm sufficient antibody levels, meaning that prior vaccinations may not provide adequate protection for you and your newborn.
For more information about pregnancy precautions, you can check out our other posts, like the one on home insemination kit, or visit Make a Mom for expert insights on at-home insemination. Additionally, the Genetics and IVF Institute offers a wealth of information regarding pregnancy and related topics.
In summary, Sarah’s story emphasizes the importance of vaccination against whooping cough during pregnancy. By sharing her experience, she hopes to inform other mothers about the risks of the illness and the significance of protecting their children.