In today’s fast-paced world, staying updated on pregnancy guidelines can be a challenge. However, one critical piece of information every expectant mother should grasp is the importance of the whooping cough vaccine. This condition can be life-threatening for infants, but thanks to vaccines, it is largely preventable. A new mother, who unwittingly transmitted the illness to her newborn, is sharing her heartfelt plea for other women to get vaccinated.
In a poignant video shared on the Sunshine Coast Health Facebook page, an Australian mom named Sarah recounts her experience with whooping cough. Describing herself as a “health-conscious individual,” Sarah initially hesitated when offered the pertussis vaccine during her 28th week of pregnancy. Regrettably, shortly before giving birth, she fell ill and inadvertently passed the infection to her newborn.
Sarah and her baby, Lily, have spent over three weeks in the hospital. What began as a seemingly minor issue escalated quickly. She recalls, “At first, I thought it was no big deal, but soon, Lily’s cough turned terrifying.” Sarah describes the stressful moments of watching her baby cough to the point of turning blue, struggling to breathe, and the frantic rush to the hospital. Lily was admitted to the ICU, and Sarah has found the slow, painful recovery process to be excruciating to witness.
Sarah’s primary intention is to raise awareness about the reality of whooping cough. “Even as someone who prides herself on being healthy and never visiting a doctor, I contracted whooping cough,” she shares. “Lily is now in her fourth week of illness, and every hour spent here watching her struggle is a painful reminder of what I could have prevented.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly recommends that all pregnant women receive the whooping cough vaccine during their third trimester. This vaccine helps your body produce protective antibodies that are then passed onto your unborn baby. These antibodies peak about two weeks post-vaccination, which is why timing is crucial.
Such recommendations are relatively recent, leaving many women unaware of their significance. When I had my first child in 2011, the advice was to get vaccinated post-delivery. By the time I had my second child three years later, the guidelines had shifted to include vaccination during pregnancy. I remember questioning whether I really needed it, having received a shot not long before.
The answer, according to medical experts, is a resounding yes. There’s no blood test that confirms if you have adequate antibodies to safeguard yourself and your baby from whooping cough. Therefore, even if you’ve been vaccinated before, both you and your baby could still be at risk. While only a healthcare professional can provide personalized advice, getting the whooping cough vaccine is a small step that can make a huge difference in your infant’s health.
If you are interested in learning more about the importance of vaccinations during pregnancy, consider visiting this informative post. For those looking into at-home insemination options, Make a Mom offers reputable syringe kits to assist with the process. Additionally, NHS provides excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination, making it a valuable place to gather information.
In summary, the story of Sarah serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of vaccinations during pregnancy. Don’t let hesitation or outdated information put your newborn at risk. Protect your child by ensuring you stay informed and up-to-date with vaccinations!
Leave a Reply