Maternal Health

Tdap Vaccination During Pregnancy

Medically reviewed by Dr. Lisa Okafor, MD, FACOG · Board-Certified OB-GYN

Content reviewed against published ACOG, CDC, NIH guidelines

Last reviewed: May 2026

Your health matters just as much as your baby's. If you are dealing with tdap vaccination during pregnancy, here is what you need to know.

The short answer

The Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis/whooping cough) is recommended during every pregnancy, ideally between weeks 27-36 of the third trimester. This allows the birthing parent to produce antibodies that cross the placenta, protecting the newborn from pertussis during their first vulnerable months before they can receive their own vaccines.

Key takeaways

The Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis/whooping cough) is recommended during every pregnancy, ideally between weeks 27-36 of the third trimester. This allows the birthing parent to produce antibodies that cross the placenta, protecting the newborn from pertussis during their first vulnerable months before they can receive their own vaccines.
Usually normal when: Mild soreness at the injection site
Call your doctor if: Severe allergic reaction after vaccination (very rare): difficulty breathing, swelling of face/throat, hives - seek emergency care

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Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.

What Parents Should Know

According to ACOG, CDC, NIH guidelines, the Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis/whooping cough) is recommended during every pregnancy, ideally between weeks 27-36 of the third trimester. This allows the birthing parent to produce antibodies that cross the placenta, protecting the newborn from pertussis during their first vulnerable months before they can receive their own vaccines. At Third trimester, aCOG and CDC recommend Tdap between 27-36 weeks of each pregnancy, regardless of when you last received the vaccine. Earlier administration in this window gives more time for antibody production and transfer. The vaccine is safe and does not increase risk of preterm labor or adverse outcomes. Mild side effects include sore arm and low-grade fever. It is generally considered normal when mild soreness at the injection site. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if severe allergic reaction after vaccination (very rare): difficulty breathing, swelling of face/throat, hives - seek emergency care.

Sources: [1], [2], [3]

Normal vs. Concerning

Usually Normal

Worth Discussing

Mild soreness at the injection site

Severe allergic reaction after vaccination (very rare): difficulty breathing, swelling of face/throat, hives - seek emergency care

Low-grade fever or fatigue for 1-2 days after vaccination

You have questions about vaccine timing or safety

Getting Tdap in each pregnancy even if previously vaccinated

You had a previous adverse reaction to a vaccine

By Age

What to expect by age

Third trimester

ACOG and CDC recommend Tdap between 27-36 weeks of each pregnancy, regardless of when you last received the vaccine. Earlier administration in this window gives more time for antibody production and transfer. The vaccine is safe and does not increase risk of preterm labor or adverse outcomes. Mild side effects include sore arm and low-grade fever.

What to Tell Your Pediatrician

Describe when you first noticed tdap vaccination during pregnancy and how it has changed over time.
Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
Mention if you have questions about vaccine timing or safety.
Mention if you had a previous adverse reaction to a vaccine.
Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

What Should You Do?

When to take action

Probably normal when...

Mild soreness at the injection site
Low-grade fever or fatigue for 1-2 days after vaccination
Getting Tdap in each pregnancy even if previously vaccinated

Mention at your next visit when...

You have questions about vaccine timing or safety
You had a previous adverse reaction to a vaccine
You missed the recommended window and want to discuss options

Act now when...

Severe allergic reaction after vaccination (very rare): difficulty breathing, swelling of face/throat, hives - seek emergency care

What You Can Do at Home

Keep track of when you notice tdap vaccination during pregnancy — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
Remember that mild soreness at the injection site — this is generally within the range of normal.
Prioritize your own rest and nutrition. Accept help when offered, and do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.
While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if severe allergic reaction after vaccination (very rare): difficulty breathing, swelling of face/throat, hives - seek emergency care.

Influenza Vaccine in Pregnancy

The flu shot is recommended for all pregnant people during any trimester of pregnancy. Pregnant people are at higher risk for severe flu complications due to immune system and cardiopulmonary changes. The inactivated flu vaccine is safe and protects both you and your baby (through transferred antibodies) during the first months of life. The nasal spray flu vaccine should NOT be used during pregnancy.

COVID Vaccination During Pregnancy

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended during pregnancy by ACOG, CDC, and other major health organizations. COVID-19 infection during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of severe illness, ICU admission, preterm birth, and stillbirth. The mRNA vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna) have been extensively studied in pregnant people and shown to be safe and effective.

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When to Call the Doctor

General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.

Frequently asked questions

Is tdap vaccination during pregnancy normal?

When should I call the doctor about tdap vaccination during pregnancy?

Severe allergic reaction after vaccination (very rare): difficulty breathing, swelling of face/throat, hives - seek emergency care

When is tdap vaccination during pregnancy normal?

Mild soreness at the injection site Low-grade fever or fatigue for 1-2 days after vaccination Getting Tdap in each pregnancy even if previously vaccinated

What causes tdap vaccination during pregnancy?

What should I mention to my pediatrician about tdap vaccination during pregnancy?

You should mention tdap vaccination during pregnancy at your next visit if: You have questions about vaccine timing or safety. You had a previous adverse reaction to a vaccine. You missed the recommended window and want to discuss options.

Is tdap vaccination during pregnancy normal at Third trimester?

Should I go to the ER for tdap vaccination during pregnancy?

Seek emergency care if severe allergic reaction after vaccination (very rare): difficulty breathing, swelling of face/throat, hives - seek emergency care. When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.

Does tdap vaccination during pregnancy go away on its own?

In many cases, tdap vaccination during pregnancy resolves on its own, especially when mild soreness at the injection site.

ACOG CDC NIH

References

[1]American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Maternal Immunization. ACOG Committee Opinion No. 741, 2018 (Reaffirmed 2022). ACOG
[2]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Tdap Vaccine and Pregnancy. CDC, 2023. CDC
[3]National Library of Medicine. Vaccination in Pregnancy. StatPearls, 2023. NIH

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Tdap Vaccination During Pregnancy.

Things to mention

Describe when you first noticed tdap vaccination during pregnancy and how it has changed over time.
Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
Mention if you have questions about vaccine timing or safety.
Mention if you had a previous adverse reaction to a vaccine.
Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

Observations to share

You have questions about vaccine timing or safety
You had a previous adverse reaction to a vaccine
You missed the recommended window and want to discuss options

Urgent signs to report immediately

Severe allergic reaction after vaccination (very rare): difficulty breathing, swelling of face/throat, hives - seek emergency care

My notes

From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members

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Bottom line

Most cases of tdap vaccination during pregnancy are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if severe allergic reaction after vaccination (very rare): difficulty breathing, swelling of face/throat, hives - seek emergency care.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.

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