If you’re expecting, this is an important question to consider.
COVID-19, its name we're all used to, its impact is something we've all felt. We all have to choose between vaccines and boosters. In many countries around the world, people are now also choosing to vaccinate their children. But what is the correct answer for pregnant women?
Ultimately, it's your choice, but it's important to seek all advice before making a decision. When it comes to news and Covid, there are many different opinions, so it's important to get information from reliable sources.
Where to get information
If you look at pregnancy vaccines, there is a clear message that vaccination protects both mother and child from serious disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the vaccine and booster is safe for pregnant women and highly recommends it, and they have other helpful information on the topic.
There are other useful articles;
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
• Maternal and Infant Medicine Society
• World Health Organization
For all medical issues, one of the most important contacts should of course be a medical professional. Your regular prenatal appointment specialist should be able to give you all the information you need to know.
Facts About Vaccines
• The vaccine is not a live vaccine, so if you do get it, you won't get COVID-19
• Vaccines have been shown to reduce serious illness
• When the mother is vaccinated during pregnancy, the vaccine has been shown to produce antibodies in the baby
• The same vaccine profile was used in previous studies in pregnant women and there were no adverse effects
When to get a vaccine or booster
The vaccine can be given at any stage of pregnancy, and women are encouraged to receive timely booster shots throughout pregnancy. Breastfeeding mothers are also advised to stick to their scheduled COVID-19 vaccinations. Vaccine studies in breastfeeding women are limited, however, data collected detected antibodies in the breast milk of vaccinated mothers.
Side Effect
The side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine and booster shots are no different for pregnant women and others. Some of the side effects you may experience are:
• Sore arm at the injection site
• Headache
• nausea
• tired
• body pain
• mild fever
Talk to your doctor about how to manage these symptoms, as recommended medications may vary during pregnancy.
This feels like a big decision, so it's always important to weigh any information you get and check your sources.
