HomePregnancyTT Injection during pregnancy which month

TT Injection during pregnancy which month

Research-backed

Tetanus is a fatal and life-threatening condition, posing irreparable threats during pregnancy. Not only does it initiate involuntary and painful spasms of the voluntary muscles, but the bacterial infection also elevates the risks of the potential death of the mother and the developing fetus if things get progressively out of hand.

However, medicine has progressed and advanced exponentially. The introduction and administration of the Tetanus Toxoid (TT) vaccine prevent the risks of this infection during pregnancy, assuring optimal health of both the mother and the developing fetus.

This article will explore more the importance and significance of TT injection in pregnancy, its side effects, long-term impacts, and the right time of administration.

What is the TT Injection?

Tetanus is a severe type of bacterial infection that causes spasms of the voluntary muscles in the body, leading to a condition called “lockjaw.” The condition is caused by a toxin from a bacterium called Clostridium tetani.

The infestation of this toxin into the body can be via an open wound, cut, tear, injury, etc. Even the tiniest prick of a pin can lead to the bacterium entering the body and infesting the toxin inside.

Since pregnancy involves a lot of immune system-related changes in the body, most women often experience a suppressed immune system, which elevates the risks of the infection further.

A TT Injection is thus administered during pregnancy to eliminate the risks of a tetanus infection.

Sometimes, the risks of tetanus are also high in the newborn from an unhealed or infected umbilical stump. A vaccinated mother with the TT injection can pass down the antibodies to the newborn to help them fight against the infection and not experience and severity right after their birth.

Why is TT Injection Administered during Pregnancy?

The primary objective of the TT injection during pregnancy is to provide optimal care and support to the mother, developing fetus, and the newborn baby from the risks of tetanus infection.

Since tetanus directly affects the nervous system, its manifestation in the body during pregnancy can lead to long-term and irreparable damage to the mother and the baby.

The tetanus vaccine during pregnancy protects the mother and the baby from such complications by strengthening and preparing the immune system against the tetanus infection.

However, since it is a vaccination, there are certain guidelines, protocols, and safety measures that need to be followed. Every pregnant woman considering getting a TT injection should discuss the options with the doctor to weigh the pros and cons and any potential risks to their health.

How is the TT Injection Given during Pregnancy?

Since the TT injection is vital during pregnancy, being aware of its schedule of administration is equally important. Ideally, the administration depends on the immunization history of the patient.

In general, two doses of the TT vaccine are administered before the delivery of the newborn. Also, the two doses should be one month apart. And the last or second dose of the vaccine should be administered at least four weeks before the delivery of the newborn.

The administration and schedule of the tetanus injection in pregnancy also depend on which pregnancy it is. There are a few different scenarios worth considering:

  • If it is the first pregnancy, the standard two doses of the TT injection are administered
  • If the mother hasn’t taken the TT pregnancy in their previous pregnancies, they have to get two doses in the current pregnancy.
  • If the last pregnancy was three years or less and the mother got two doses of TT injection in the last pregnancy, they have to get one dose of the TT injection in their current pregnancy.
  • If the last pregnancy was over three years ago, the mother has to get two doses of the TT injection, even if they have gotten two doses in the previous pregnancy.

Being concerned about the administration of any foreign body during pregnancy can be daunting. It’s always better to discuss everything in detail with the doctor for a more comprehensive understanding.

In Which Month of Pregnancy is the TT Injection Administered?

If you are wondering about “TT injection during pregnancy which month in India,” this section of the article should answer your doubts.

As we mentioned, the duration between the first TT injection dose and the second one is four weeks or one month.

  • The first TT injection dose is administered between 13-39 weeks of pregnancy.
  • The second TT injection dose is administered four weeks after the first dose.

Getting at least the first dose 60 days before the birth of the newborn can protect them against the toxin and infection after their birth. Ideally, doctors suggest getting the first TT injection dose early on in the pregnancy, followed by the second dose, instead of waiting until the brink of delivery and rushing things through.

Proper and timely administration of the TT injection can protect the mother and the fetus against life-threatening complications, premature birth, and delivery of the baby. So, once you find out you are pregnant, consider discussing your vaccination options with your doctor right away.

Is the TT Injection During Pregnancy Safe?

Simply knowing about the basics of the TT injection isn’t enough. You need to clarify the safety protocols too. The safest way to do that would be by sitting down and discussing your options with your doctor.

According to WHO, the TT vaccines during pregnancy are predominantly administered to women who are at heightened risk of contracting the infection. However, the research also suggests that almost all variants of the inactivated TT injection are safe during pregnancy.

There are no substantial studies and research that have noted any potential harm or fatal impacts from the administration of the TT injection. One of the biggest myths is that administering any kind of vaccine during pregnancy enhances the risk of congenital disabilities, which is simply not true.

Conclusion

TT injection during pregnancy is safe and completely normal for the mother to get for their safety and the safety of their unborn child. If you are worried about its impacts or side effects, we’d suggest you sit down with your doctor and weigh in on them in detail. Having an open conversation should allow you to make a medically sound decision for you and the baby throughout and after the pregnancy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the side effects of TT Injection?

The side effects of the TT vaccine during pregnancy include soreness, redness, fever, headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, etc. If you are experiencing any of these complications, we’d recommend talking with your doctor.

Should I get a third dose of the TT vaccine?

If you have gotten two doses of the TT injection during your pregnancy, doctors suggest getting a third dose around six months from the last dose for protection against tetanus infection.

Are TT vaccine and TDAP vaccine the same?

TT vaccine protects against tetanus, while TDAP protects against Tetanus, diphtheria, and Pertussis.

Avatar
Somapika Dutta (B.Sc Physiology, Honours)
Somapikar holds Bachelors Degree in Physiology from University of Culcutta. She has 6+ years of experience writing in different niches, including health, tech and lifestyle. An animal enthusiast and a raging foodie, experiencing life - one day at a time.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Exclusive content

Latest article

More article