Hey there, expecting parents! If you’re pregnant or planning to be, it’s super important to know about whooping cough, also known as pertussis. This illness is making waves in California, and it’s a serious concern for little ones. In fact, back in 2010, California saw its highest pertussis cases in over 60 years, with nearly 9,000 reported cases. Fast forward to 2014, and the numbers shot up to over 10,800! The latest report indicates that a staggering 60% of hospitalized cases were infants under 4 months old. Sadly, some of these babies didn’t make it. But don’t worry, there are ways you can help keep your baby safe.
What You Should Know About Pertussis
So, what exactly is pertussis? It’s a bacterial infection caused by Bordetella pertussis. You can catch it through sneezing, coughing, or just being close to someone infected. It spreads like wildfire and can hit anyone, but it’s especially dangerous for newborns, whose immune systems are still developing. At first, it might seem like a cold, but before you know it, that cough can escalate and make it hard to breathe. It can last for weeks or even months.
Why Newborns Are at Risk
Newborns are particularly vulnerable because their immune systems are still getting up to speed and they can’t get their first vaccine until they’re at least 6 weeks old. If they do catch pertussis, it can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia or even death. The CDC reports that for babies hospitalized due to pertussis, 1 in 4 can develop pneumonia, and 1 in 300 may not survive.
How Can You Protect Your Baby?
The best way to shield your little one from whooping cough is by getting vaccinated while pregnant. When you get the Tdap vaccine, you pass on protective antibodies to your baby before they’re born. This means your newborn has some protection during those crucial first weeks of life. It’s also essential to vaccinate your baby once they’re 6-8 weeks old—waiting too long could leave them exposed to the infection.
Is the Vaccine Safe?
Absolutely! The Tdap vaccine is inactivated, meaning it doesn’t contain live bacteria, so there’s no risk of getting the disease from it. The CDC has recommended this vaccine for pregnant women since 2011, and the best time to get it is between 27-36 weeks of pregnancy to maximize the benefits for both you and your baby.
What About Family and Friends?
It’s essential for family and friends to stay updated on their pertussis vaccinations too. This is where “cocooning” comes into play—basically, it means everyone who will be around the baby should be vaccinated to reduce the risk of exposure. If someone hasn’t been vaccinated, they should get the shot at least 2 weeks before seeing the baby, giving their body time to develop immunity.
Final Thoughts
While getting vaccinated greatly reduces the risk of whooping cough, it’s not a 100% guarantee that you or your baby won’t get sick. Adults can still contract the illness, but it tends to be milder. If you’re curious to learn more about trying to conceive, check out our detailed guide on trying to conceive with PCOS. And if you’re looking for an at-home insemination kit, Make a Mom has some great options to consider. Additionally, for an excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination, visit the Mayo Clinic.
In summary, protecting your baby from whooping cough starts with vaccination during pregnancy and ensuring everyone around your newborn is up to date on their shots. It’s all about keeping your little one safe in those first vulnerable weeks!