What should you know about tetanus while pregnant?

Tetanus is an infection caused by a toxin that can affect muscles and the nervous system. It can enter through a puncture, cut, burn, bite, or wound containing soil or other contamination. Pregnancy does not make every wound a tetanus emergency, but it makes it especially useful to review protection with a qualified clinician rather than guessing from the wound’s appearance.

A tetanus vaccine is designed to train the immune system to recognise the toxin. The decision after an injury may involve your previous doses, how long ago the last dose was given, whether the wound is clean or contaminated, and local pregnancy guidance. A wound can look minor while still needing assessment.

Wash your hands, then rinse the wound with clean running water and gently remove visible dirt without digging into the tissue. Cover it with a clean dressing. Do not seal a deep, puncture-like, heavily contaminated, or animal-bite wound at home, and do not delay care while trying to identify the object that caused it.

Tell the clinician that you are pregnant, describe when and how the injury happened, and bring any vaccination record you have. They can decide whether a tetanus-containing vaccine or other treatment is appropriate. You can read more about [Tetanus Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/tetanus-vaccination/).

Arrange prompt medical advice for a puncture, crush injury, burn, bite, wound with soil or saliva contamination, or any injury when your vaccination history is uncertain. Seek urgent help for trouble breathing or swallowing, severe muscle stiffness or spasms, rapidly increasing swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, or signs of a serious allergic reaction.

Ask: Is my tetanus protection up to date for this pregnancy? Does this wound need professional cleaning? Which vaccine or treatment is suitable at my stage of pregnancy? What changes should make me return urgently?