Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis in pregnancy

Tetanus can follow contaminated breaks in the skin and cause severe muscle stiffness or spasms. Diphtheria can affect the throat and release a toxin. Pertussis, also called whooping cough, can cause prolonged bouts of coughing and is especially concerning for young babies. Vaccination during pregnancy may help the pregnant person develop protection and pass protective antibodies to the baby before birth. The recommended product and timing depend on local guidance, pregnancy stage, previous doses, allergies, and medical history.

Tell your obstetric or primary-care clinician about previous vaccines, serious reactions, immune conditions, current medicines, and the pregnancy timeline. Bring any available record rather than relying on memory. Ask which combined vaccine is recommended locally and whether a catch-up plan is needed. A missed appointment does not mean the discussion is closed; contact the maternity or vaccination service for an updated plan. [Childhood Immunisation](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/childhood-immunisation/) explains how protection continues after birth.

Seek urgent help during pregnancy for breathing difficulty, fainting, severe allergic symptoms such as facial swelling, or rapidly worsening illness. Contact a clinician promptly for a high fever, a severe sore throat with neck swelling, a persistent cough with vomiting or breathing difficulty, or jaw stiffness and muscle spasms after a wound. A sore throat or cough can have many causes, so diagnosis requires assessment rather than guessing from one symptom.

Ask which vaccine is advised, when it should be offered, what to expect afterward, and how your prior doses affect the plan. Mention previous vaccine reactions, allergies, fever, recent exposure to a coughing illness, and any pregnancy complications.