Tetanus: The Hidden Danger for Your Baby

Welcoming a new addition to your family is one of life's most exciting yet nerve-wreaking moments. You are probably busy thinking about baby names, baby-proofing your home, taking prenatal vitamins. But what if I told you that there is a life-threatening disease as quietly waiting to attack baby, one you've likely never hear of? 

That disease is called Tetanus. While rare in a country with mandatory vaccination like Singapore, newborns who haven't yet to received their booster shot are still at risk. 

What Is Tetanus and How Is It Spread?

Tetanus is a life-threatening disease caused by a bacteria called Clostridium tetani. These bacteria are persistent creatures and are commonly found in everyday environments such as dust, soil and even animal feces. 

They can survive in harsh conditions for years due to their ability to form a “spore” like outer shell and becomes active when they enter into your body via wound such as puncture wound or contaminated umbilical cord.

Once inside the body, Clostridium tetani begins to produce a dangerous toxin called tetanospasmin. This toxin travels through the bloodstream to the brain and spinal cord, where it will cause serious damage to the body. 

What Happens Inside the Body? (The Science in Simple Terms)

Taking a closer look at how muscles and brain works

The brain communicates with our muscles by sending signals through the nerves called motor neurons. Through those signals we can move our muscles via contraction. To stop moving, the brain will release signals in the form of chemicals called GABA and Glycine which will help our muscles to relax.

What Tetanus toxin does to our body

Tetanus toxin blocks the release of those stop signals right before reaching the muscles cells. This means that the muscles cannot relax, staying in a constant state of contraction. 

As a result, our muscles will stay locked via contraction. This caused unbearable symptoms such as stiff jaw, muscle spasms and even difficulty breathing. 

       

Why Is Tetanus So Dangerous for Newborns?

Newborns are especially vulnerable to Tetanus. Their immune system is still developing, and they don't receive their first tetanus vaccination dose until 2 months after birth. If they are exposed before that, they have no way to fend off Tetanus Toxin from invading their body.

To add on, neonatal tetanus, tetanus in newborns is highly fatal, with a death rate of 70-100% without treatment. Most neonatal tetanus cases are usually due to poor sanitation when cutting the umbilical cord which it’s rare in Singapore thanks to their good healthcare. But it is also caused by poor hygiene or accidental injuries after birth exposed to bacteria. 

How Can You Protect Your Baby Before They’re Born?

The safe and simple way to protect your baby: Get vaccinated before or during pregnancy.

Receiving the Tdap vaccine (tetanus, pertussis and diphtheria) between 27-36 weeks of pregnancy allows your body to create a protective substance called antibodies. These antibodies will be passed on to the baby through the placenta, giving your baby passive immunity against Tetanus until they receive their first vaccination.

 

In fact, it is also recommended for everyone to get the vaccination every 10 years to remain protected from Tetanus and prevent transmission risk.

Symptoms to Watch For

Tetanus symptoms appears days to weeks after exposure,

• A stiff jaw (Lockjaw) or neck
• Difficulty feeding
• Painful muscle spasms
• Arching of the back (Opisthotonos) 
• Breathing difficulties

 

 

If you ever notice these signs, seek emergency care immediately. But remember, prevention is the best treatment. 

Final Thoughts: One Simple Step with Lifesaving Impact

As a parent, you want the best for your baby and what better way is to start off then giving your baby a healthy start. Getting vaccinated is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your newborn and yourself from a deadly disease.

Tetanus is rare yet also life-threatening disease, but it is preventable. One simple shot can give you a peace of mind and focus on raising your baby with all the love they deserve.