Prenatal Testing and Pre-pregnancy Vaccinations

In this post, I will provide information about prenatal tests and vaccinations before pregnancy.

<   Overview   >
Prenatal tests before pregnancy
Pre-pregnancy vaccinations

 

First, it's important to understand why vaccinations are necessary and why you should prepare for them in advance.

The reason for getting vaccinations is that during pregnancy,

your immune system is weakened, making you more susceptible to diseases than usual.

Treatment options may be limited,

and maternal infections can affect the health of the fetus.

Neglecting vaccinations due to momentary inconvenience can lead to lifelong regret.

 

Vaccinations often involve multiple doses over a period, so it's recommended to start preparing for them approximately six months in advance.

 

 

 

Prenatal Tests Before Pregnancy

Prenatal tests before pregnancy can be conducted at public health centers, obstetrics and gynecology clinics, and urology clinics.

These tests are performed to check for antibodies, sexually transmitted diseases, and assess reproductive health. Before proceeding with prenatal testing, you need to choose an option.

 

1.Getting all prenatal tests done at a hospital.

- You have one blood sample taken, and you pay the full cost of the tests.

 

2.Getting initial tests at a public health center and additional tests at a hospital.

- You have two blood samples taken, and you only pay for the additional tests.

 

If you choose the first option, contact the hospital in advance to confirm the requirements and instructions.

If you choose the second option, contact the public health center in advance to check the eligibility criteria, required documents, and guidelines based on your place of residence.

 

To receive prenatal test support at a public health center, you should either be planning to get married or be a newlywed couple.

The specific support programs may vary depending on your area, so be sure to check your local public health center's website for details.

 

Pre-pregnancy Vaccinations

Vaccines come in two main types: live vaccines and inactivated vaccines.

○ Live Vaccines
These are vaccines that contain weakened or live-attenuated viruses or bacteria.

○ Inactivated Vaccines:
These are vaccines that involve culturing viruses or bacteria and then inactivating them using heat or chemicals.

 

Some vaccines should not be administered during pregnancy. Therefore, it's important to get pre-pregnancy vaccinations.

 

Live Vaccines

1. MMR Combination Vaccine (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)

Potential risks of maternal infection if unvaccinated	Fetal cardiac anomalies, hearing impairment, cataracts, intellectual disability, and meningitis.
Number of doses	1-2 doses depending on prior vaccination history.
Interval between doses	4-8 weeks.
When to get vaccinated	Start planning for vaccination at least three months before pregnancy.
Note	After vaccination, use contraception for 1-3 months, and vaccination during pregnancy is not recommended.

 

2. Varicella (Chickenpox)

Potential risks of maternal infection if unvaccinated	Fetal brain and eye damage, nervous system disorders, physical malformations, skin disorders.
Number of doses	2 doses.
Interval between doses	4-8 weeks.
When to get vaccinated	Start planning for vaccination at least three months before pregnancy.
Note	After vaccination, use contraception for 1-3 months, and vaccination during pregnancy is not recommended.

 

 

 

Inactivated Vaccines

1. Hepatitis A

Potential risks of maternal infection if unvaccinated	Uterine contractions, preterm labor, vertical transmission to the fetus.
Number of doses	2 doses.
Interval between doses	6 months.
When to get vaccinated	Start planning for vaccination at least six months before pregnancy.
Note	May be contracted through contaminated food, water, and contact with hepatitis A patients. It has relatively less impact on the fetus.

 

2. Hepatitis B

Potential risks of maternal infection if unvaccinated	Uterine contractions, risk of preterm birth, and vertical transmission are possible.
Number of doses	3 doses.
Interval between doses	1 month after the 1st dose, 5 months after the 2nd dose.
When to get vaccinated	Starting 6 months before planning pregnancy.
Note	If the fetus gets infected, it may lead to chronic hepatitis or liver fibrosis in adulthood, with a 5-fold increased risk of liver cancer compared to healthy individuals.

 

 

 

This concludes the information on prenatal tests and pre-pregnancy vaccinations. In the next post, I will discuss miscarriage.