Research-backed
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When you’re pregnant, you want your baby to be safe from all things. With the pandemic being such a huge part of our lives, that might seem like a far-fetched idea. However, with the vaccines rolling out, there is a glimmer of hope for people who were close to giving up. But the real question is, how much has the vaccine been studied to know about its effects on pregnant women? Not knowing what effect the vaccine would have on your growing baby can be very scary. So we are here to break it down and shed light on all the information we have about it. Scroll below to find out.
How Does COVID-19 Affect Pregnant Women?
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Before we get into the vaccine’s side effects on pregnant women, let’s look at how the virus can affect pregnancy. COVID-19 is a deadly virus that is dangerous for anyone and everyone. But studies show that the individuals who are pregnant and affected by the virus are at higher risk for hospitalization and intensive care. They are more prone to need a ventilator for breathing and can even be at risk for death (1).
If you’re wondering about how COVID-19 affects the fetus, research also suggests that the virus may cause premature birth. However, no congenital disabilities have been associated with the virus. While the transmission of the deadly virus from mother to baby is possible, the actual occurrence appears to be rare (2).
The Vaccine And Pregnancy
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You might have doubts about taking the vaccine when you’re pregnant because of the lack of trials conducted on pregnant women. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM), the vaccine can be administered to pregnant women (3).
Although none of the trials included pregnant women, the CDC tracked over 30,000 women who received the COVID vaccine while they were pregnant. The good news is that pregnant women have had the same side effects as non-pregnant women so far. These side effects include chills, fever, muscle aches, fatigue, and headaches. You may also have some pain or swelling on the hand that the vaccine was administered (4). However, there were no additional side effects for pregnant women like miscarriages, preterm births, or stillbirths (5).
Various Options You Can Consider
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So now that you know a bit more about receiving the vaccine during pregnancy, you might be stoked to get the jab. Before you jump up to receive the vaccine, here are a few options you have. Discuss them with your doctor and make an informed decision:
- Get The Vaccine ASAP
If you are at a high risk of getting infected by COVID-19, you could get the vaccine as soon as it becomes available to you. If you have underlying health conditions that may cause severe complications from being the virus, you could choose this option.
- Wait Until You Give Birth
You may choose to receive the vaccine after giving birth if pregnancy is the only factor for severe disease, and you can limit your exposure to the virus. You should follow all safety protocols at all times, such as washing your hands, wearing face masks, and social distancing.
- Consider Ways To Modify Your Exposure
You may choose this option and defer vaccination if possible. Holding off vaccination until the second trimester, when the risk of natural miscarriage is lower, is a good option if you can avoid exposure to the virus.
If you choose to receive the COVID vaccine during pregnancy or postpartum, the CDC recommends that you do it fourteen days before or after any other vaccination (like a flu shot or Tdap) that you may have received (6).
While there are several unanswered questions about the COVID vaccine being administered to pregnant women, there are also evidence-based results of potential benefits. Therefore, if your doctor gives you the green light and the vaccine is available to you, go ahead and get jabbed! Are you considering taking the vaccine during pregnancy, or have you already taken it? Let us know in the comments below!
