Can a tetanus shot cause complications during the first trimester of pregnancy?
Although all drugs have risks, I am not aware of tetanus shots causing problems during pregnancy. There are actually two different kinds of tetanus shots. One, called tetanus toxoid, is used to reduce the risk of tetanus. Tetanus toxoid is administered as a primary immunization designed to stimulate the immune system to identify and react to the bacteria that cause tetanus. Most of us received our first tetanus shot when we were children. Public health experts recommend a “booster” shot every 10 years. If a person has not had a recent booster shot, tetanus toxoid is administered at the time of an injury when there may be a risk of tetanus. Tetanus toxoid is usually given in combination with diphtheria toxoid. Tetanus immune globulin is the second type of tetanus shot. It is only administered if there is a strong likelihood that a person may develop tetanus or has evidence of the disease from an injury. Tetanus immune globulin provides a “passive” form of immunity that gives immediate p
