FYI - from the web
Question: Is it safe to get vaccinated?
Answer: It depends on the type of vaccine you're considering. In general, doctors recommend that pregnant women avoid any vaccines that use live, attenuated (weakened) viruses, such as the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) shot. In theory the weakened virus could give you an infection that you then could pass on to your baby. Vaccines that contain inactivated (or killed) viruses, such as the flu (influenza) shot, are generally considered safe during pregnancy.
But you should always discuss the pros and cons of vaccines with your doctor or midwife before receiving any ? especially during pregnancy.
Theoretically, the MMR vaccine could lead to a rubella infection in a pregnant woman, but studies to date show the real risk to be non-existent. Maternal rubella infections are known to cause mental retardation, deafness, eye problems, and heart defects in babies. Many healthy babies have been born to women who have received the rubella vaccination while pregnant. If you received a rubella vaccination in the early weeks of your pregnancy before you knew you were carrying a child, the risk for birth defects is minimal. Nonetheless, your doctor may order a detailed ultrasound of the baby at about 18 weeks to give you some reassurance.
The measles and mumps parts of the MMR vaccine are also live, attenuated viruses. While some studies have shown that the infections can increase the risk for birth defects, this has not been proven. There is also some concern about a possible link between these infections and miscarriage. Again, the risk of contracting either measles or mumps from a vaccine is theoretical.
The chicken pox vaccine is also made from live, attenuated virus so it's best to avoid it during pregnancy. However, contracting chicken pox now can itself be dangerous for your baby. If you've never had the virus, see our article for steps to take to protect you and your baby.
Vaccines That Are Safe During Pregnancy
The influenza vaccine, also known as a flu shot, is generally considered safe in pregnancy because it's made from inactivated (killed) virus. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control actually recommends this vaccine for women who will be in their second or third trimester during flu season because studies have shown that pregnancy may increase a woman's risk of serious medical complications from the flu. In pregnant women who have medical conditions such as diabetes or chronic respiratory or heart conditions that increase their risk for flu complications, the CDC recommends vaccination regardless of the stage of the pregnancy. However, your doctor may have his or her own opinion about whether you should receive this vaccination.
Other vaccinations, such as those against tetanus and polio, are sometimes given when the risk of the mother actually getting the disease is higher than the possible harmful effects on the baby. As always, speak to your doctor about what vaccinations, if any, are appropriate for your particular situation.