Protecting Every Pregnancy Canada (PEP-C)
Supporting all pregnant individuals, babies, and families across Canada through patient-oriented research, collaboration, and evidence-based information on disease prevention.
What can I do to stay healthy and protect my baby?
We co-exist with many bugs and germs. Some are very good bugs and help us stay safe from bad bugs. There are many ways infections or “bad bugs” can affect our lives and the lives of our babies. Here are some ways to stay healthy and protect yourself.
Resources, information and data
Understand how to protect yourself and your baby from infections that can cause negative outcomes.
COVID-19
COVID-19 is an illness caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 mainly targets the respiratory system, which includes your nose, throat, and lungs. If you are pregnant, you are at a higher risk of adverse outcomes from COVID-19. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is the safest way to protect you and your baby.
Influenza
Influenza is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs that’s caused by a virus. Influenza can happen any time during the year, but it’s most common in the winter. If you are pregnant, you are at a higher risk of having complications from influenza. Getting the influenza vaccine while you’re pregnant will protect you and your baby.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that can infect almost anyone. Once infected, your body retains the virus for life. Most people do not know that they have CMV because it rarely causes problems in healthy people. CMV is the most common congenital infection (passed on from mom to baby during pregnancy).
Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
Pertussis is an infection of the airways caused by bacteria. Babies are at the highest risk of severe disease. In Canada, 1 to 4 deaths are related to pertussis each year. Getting the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccine during pregnancy helps protect you and your baby from pertussis.
Hepatitis B (HBV)
Hepatitis B is a very common infection worldwide. Babies can get it from their moms at the time of birth, which is actually the most common way people get HBV around the world. Alberta has the 2nd highest prevalence of chronic HBV infection in Canada.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
RSV is a common virus that circulates during the fall and winter and spreads easily through coughs, sneezes, or contact with contaminated surfaces. It is especially dangerous for babies under six months old. To help protect against RSV, there are two options: a maternal vaccine (RSVpreF), given to pregnant individuals during the third trimester, or an RSV antibody (Nirsevimab), administered to infants shortly after birth.
