Side effects of a tetanus shot while pregnant

The injection activates your immune system, so tenderness or warmth around the injection site can occur. Aches, headache, tiredness, or a mild fever may settle as your body responds. These effects do not mean the vaccine has caused tetanus. Pregnancy does not change the basic pattern of local vaccine reactions, but your maternity team may consider your health, gestation, and vaccination history when advising you.

Rest, drink fluids, and move the arm gently if it feels stiff. A cool cloth on the injection area can ease discomfort. Check with your maternity clinician or pharmacist before taking any medicine for pain or fever, even if you have used it before. Keep your vaccination information and note when symptoms began, how they change, and any treatment taken.

Get urgent help for trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, widespread hives, fainting, severe weakness, or confusion soon after vaccination. Contact your maternity team promptly for a high or persistent fever, worsening injection-site swelling, or symptoms that concern you. Seek pregnancy-specific urgent advice for vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, leaking fluid, or reduced fetal movement.

Ask which tetanus-containing vaccine you received, how long local soreness should last, and what fever or pain medicine is suitable for you. Check whether another dose is planned and whom to contact outside clinic hours if a reaction worsens.