TDAP - why would my OB say wait?

saisongbird · January 2014

I had my 31 week appt on Monday and I asked about scheduling my TDAP - and she said that while DH and any other people who will be in close contact with LO should get it now, that I won't get it until delivery. Everything I've read and everyone I've spoken to said that you get it during 3rd tri - why would she say that I don't get it until delivery? Something doesn't seem right.

bobcee · January 2014

With Delilah they gave it right after delivery. However, due to recent outbreaks in our area they recommended every pregnant lady get it during pregnancy regardless of when she last got it. Doc said it was more to protect the baby and hopefully pass some antibodies off to them than it was for me. So I got it again while pregnant with Zack even though it'd only been 2 yrs.

Given that, I don't know why they'd say wait except for that's how it was always done before. Did you ask your doc her reasoning?

saisongbird · January 2014

Not at the time, but I've been thinking about it and it came up on my BMB. I plan to call in the morning.

alexisanna44 · January 2014

It was offered to me before I left the hospital with Lucy. I just do what they tell me.

sgautschi · January 2014

The CDC recommends getting it while pregnant, since an infant shouldn't get it until their 2 month appointment, and that would leave them unprotected for 2 months. I would ask your doctor again, and let him know you did some research.

Here is the article:

http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/pertussis/tdap-pregnancy-hcp.htm

saisongbird · January 2014

I read the article, which is why I'm questioning my OB's decision.

sgautschi · January 2014

Oh I missed that part in your post.

I would just ask again and say that you would rather get it now. Do you have a PCP you could go to if she won't do it?

Otherwise I'm sure it'll be fine, especially if there hasn't been a recent pertussis outbreak in your area. You're right though, that is odd.

pennstated912 · January 2014

How odd. My OB basically shoved it down my throat once I hit 30 weeks (obviously, I was planning on getting it anyway). I would ask again, saying you would rather do it now.

There are also several retail locations that offer the vaccine (Walgreens, Rite-Aid I know do). You could always go that route.

JLyn821 · January 2014

pennstated912 said:

How odd. My OB basically shoved it down my throat once I hit 30 weeks (obviously, I was planning on getting it anyway). I would ask again, saying you would rather do it now. There are also several retail locations that offer the vaccine (Walgreens, Rite-Aid I know do). You could always go that route.

All of this. I got mine at my last appointment after they brought it up at my 28 week appt.

smbenevides1989 · January 2014

When I was pregnant with Lexi, it was never mentioned to me that I would need one. After Lexi was born, they gave me one in the hospital. This time, my OB mentioned it to me during my first visit that I should get it later on in the 3rd trimester. Like you said, I would ask again.

wiggyslilsis · January 2014

I got mine before we left the hospital after delivery but shortly after they started giving them during pregnancy because of the outbreak in our area.

BackseatDriver · January 2014

I think some physicians don't feel that there has been enough long term data to show that it is safe in pregnancy. Look at what happened with Zofran for example. Others feel that there is enough evidence that it is safe and feel that the benefits outweigh the risks.

I think it is smart to discuss your concerns with your OB and hopefully you can figure out a plan you both feel comfortable with. Delaying the vaccination has risks too so I don't think there isn't necessarily just one right answer. My OB office was in favor of flu shots and tdap during the third trimester and I was vaccinated.

If you plan to breast feed and you receive the vaccination after delivery I believe you will still pass antibodies to your baby however it wouldn't be immediate.

LuckyAngel07 · January 2014

I just asked about this today at my OB appt thanks to this thread, haha!

The nurse had initially said I'd get it right after delivery, but then said, "Oh wait, we just changed that!" They used to give it before leaving the hospital. Now they do it in 3rd tri. That and the flu shot are the only 2 vaccinations they recommend.

waterfall213 · January 2014

I got mine in the hospital the day after M was born. I asked about it during third tri and my midwife said I would get it in the hospital. I'm not sure what has changed in the last 2 years though.

bobcee · January 2014

@waterfall213 - the number of outbreaks in the past two years has drastically increased, hence the CDC looking at the safety of it for pregnant women and updating their recommendation about when the shot should be administered.

TDAP - why would my OB say wait?

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