Whooping cough vaccine pregnancy

Overview

Whooping cough (also called pertussis) is a serious lung infection that causes long bouts of coughing and a 'whoop' sound. It can be very dangerous for babies.

Whooping cough is not very common in the UK because of vaccination, but outbreaks can still happen.

Whooping cough can affect anyone, but it is most dangerous for babies under 6 months old. Pregnant women are advised to get vaccinated to protect their newborn.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Runny nose and mild cough (like a cold) for the first week
• Severe coughing fits that can last for several weeks
• A 'whoop' sound when breathing in after a cough
• Coughing so hard it can cause vomiting or a red face

Symptoms in children

• Babies may not cough at all – they can stop breathing and turn blue
• Feeding difficulties
• Choking or gagging

Symptoms in older adults

• Milder symptoms that can be mistaken for a lingering cold
• Prolonged cough that can last for months

Causes

Main causes

• Whooping cough is caused by bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. It spreads through coughs and sneezes.

Risk factors

• Being very young (babies under 6 months)
• Not being vaccinated
• Living in close contact with someone who has whooping cough

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If your baby has any breathing difficulty, stop breathing episodes, or blue colour
• If you or your child have a severe cough that interferes with eating, drinking, or sleeping

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have a cough that lasts more than 3 weeks
• If you are pregnant and haven't yet had the whooping cough vaccine

Diagnosis

A doctor will listen to your symptoms and may take a swab from the back of your nose or throat to test for the bacteria.

Tests that may be done

• Nasal swab test to check for pertussis bacteria
• Blood test to look for antibodies sometimes

What to expect at your appointment

The test is quick but can be uncomfortable. Results may take a few days. If whooping cough is confirmed, antibiotics can help reduce spread.

Treatment

Treatment focuses on easing symptoms and preventing spread to others, especially to babies.

Self-care at home

• Get plenty of rest and drink fluids to stay hydrated
• Use a cool-mist humidifier or sit in a steamy bathroom to soothe cough
• Avoid smoke and other irritants

Medical treatments

If diagnosed early (within 3 weeks of coughing), antibiotics can reduce how long you are contagious. For babies, hospital care may be needed for oxygen and monitoring. Always follow your healthcare provider's advice. No specific cough medicines are recommended for whooping cough.

Living with this condition

Whooping cough can take weeks to recover from. You may need to take time off work or school. Avoid close contact with babies and pregnant women until you are no longer contagious (usually 5 days after starting antibiotics or 3 weeks after cough starts).

Lifestyle tips

• Stay home from school or work until your doctor says you are no longer contagious
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing
• Wash hands frequently

Diet and exercise

Eat small, frequent meals if coughing makes it hard to eat. Gentle activity as tolerated, but avoid anything that triggers coughing fits.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A long illness can be frustrating and isolating. It's normal to feel tired or worried. Talk to your doctor if you feel low.

Prevention

Yes, whooping cough can be prevented with vaccination. The best way to protect newborns is for the mother to be vaccinated during pregnancy.

Vaccines

The whooping cough vaccine (given as part of a combination vaccine) is recommended for all pregnant women, ideally between 16 and 32 weeks. It is also given to babies from 8 weeks old as part of routine immunisations. Adults can get a booster if advised by their doctor.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for whooping cough. Vaccination is the primary prevention.

Complications

If left untreated

• In babies: pneumonia, breathing difficulties, brain damage from lack of oxygen, and even death
• In older children and adults: rib fractures from severe coughing, hernia, weight loss

Long-term outlook

With proper treatment and vaccination, most people recover fully from whooping cough. Babies who get treatment early have a very good chance of a full recovery. Vaccination in pregnancy gives your baby protection from birth. The outlook is hopeful, especially when prevention steps are followed.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.