Pregnancy and Covid-19 Vaccine: What You Need to Know

Pregnancy is not a contraindication to getting the COVID-19 vaccine. If you are pregnant, you can receive a COVID-19 vaccine. It is advised to get the vaccine after the 1st trimester of pregnancy. There is currently no evidence that any vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, cause fertility problems. However, data are limited about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines for people who are pregnant. While there are currently no known risks of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine while pregnant, scientists are in the process of gathering additional data to learn more.

Currently, all Canadian provinces and territories offer COVID-19 vaccines to eligible pregnant individuals. COVID-19 vaccines currently authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should not be withheld from pregnant individuals who choose to receive the vaccine. It is important to know that no study to date has specifically evaluated the coronavirus vaccine in pregnant and lactating women, though there have been a few pregnant women who were inadvertently enrolled in the vaccine trials.

We strongly recommend that women talk with their doctor to discuss all factors about the vaccine and their pregnancy. Many pregnant women have medical conditions that put them at further increased risk. Another factor to consider is the level of activity of the pandemic in your community. Thus, there are not any known safety concerns, but more data will be available in the weeks and months ahead from additional studies.

I am breastfeeding, Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Based upon available data, it appears safe to get the COVID-19 vaccine if you are nursing a baby. The vaccines do not contain live viruses, so being vaccinated does not pose a risk to the baby. Although the vaccines have not been studied in nursing mothers, lactating women should be offered the COVID-19 vaccine. You should not stop breastfeeding in order to be vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are vaccinated for the coronavirus, there is no need to delay or discontinue breastfeeding.

Will the COVID-19 vaccine affect my fertility?

Women trying to become pregnant do not need to avoid pregnancy after vaccination. There is no evidence that the COVID-19 vaccine will not affect your fertility. Women actively trying to conceive may be vaccinated with the current COVID-19 vaccines. There is no reason to delay pregnancy after completing the vaccine series.

Can I still catch COVID-19 after getting the coronavirus vaccine?

Yes, you can still get COVID after being vaccinated, but you’re unlikely to get as sick. COVID-19 vaccines are effective. However, a small percentage of people who are fully vaccinated will still get COVID-19 if they are exposed to the virus that causes it. These are called “vaccine breakthrough cases.” The good news is the vaccine is very effective at preventing severe disease and death from COVID-19, even from the more virulent Delta strain.

Therefore, getting vaccinated for the coronavirus is an important consideration for pregnant women. Lactating women are not considered at higher risk of developing severe illness compared with the non-pregnant population.

Be sure to talk to your obstetrician about care considerations that are specific to you.

Disclaimer

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this website is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

References:

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/the-covid19-vaccine-and-pregnancy-what-you-need-to-know

https://theconversation.com/should-i-get-the-covid-19-vaccine-while-pregnant-or-breastfeeding-experts-explain-the-safety-evidence-and-clinical-trials-164144

Are pregnant people at higher risk for COVID-19?

The overall risk of COVID-19 to pregnant women is low. However, the physiologic changes of pregnancy make pregnant people appear more likely to develop respiratory complications requiring intensive care than women who aren’t pregnant. Pregnant people who have other medical conditions might be at further increased risk for severe illness. More research is needed to know specifically how this virus impacts pregnant people since this virus COVID-19 is new.

Labor and delivery risks to the mother’s and the baby’s health?

If you have COVID-19 and are pregnant, your treatment will be aimed at relieving symptoms and may include getting plenty of fluids and rest, as well as using medication to reduce fever. If you’re very ill, you may need to be treated in the hospital. There is no definite evidence that the COVID-19 virus can be passed from the pregnant parent to the fetus through the placenta, called vertical transmission. If you give birth while you are positive for COVID-19, you do not need to have a cesarean section, or c-section, unless otherwise medically indicated. However, some research suggests that pregnant women with COVID-19 are also more likely to have a premature birth and cesarean delivery, and their babies are more likely to be admitted to a neonatal unit.

If you are healthy as you approach the end of pregnancy, some aspects of your labor and delivery might proceed as usual. But be prepared to be flexible. You might be screened again before entering the labor and delivery unit to protect the health of you and your baby, definitely the facilities will limit the number of people you can have in the room during labor and delivery.

Preterm birth is the most common side effect on the fetus of a pregnant parent positive for COVID-19.

Postpartum Considerations

This is a stressful time, pay attention to your mental health. Reach out to family and friends for support while taking precautions to reduce your risk of infection with the COVID-19 virus. Access to early prenatal care is important and should be accessible during this time. However, public health experts are recommending avoiding unnecessary medical visits. Talk to your health care provider about virtual visit options for checking in after delivery, as well as your need for an office visit. However, It’s recommended that postpartum care after childbirth be an ongoing process.

Disclaimer

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this website is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

References