Dr. Mark Hyde shares studies from the Centers for Disease Control and American College of Obstetricians that show pregnant and recently pregnant women are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19, that vaccination during or before pregnancy is safe, and that it does not increase risk of miscarriage or infertility
We know that you are being constantly bombarded with information about this topic from many differing groups all with differing motivations, but this message is being brought to you by your personal physicians whose sole responsibility is your wellbeing, and for those who are pregnant, the wellbeing of your babies. As new data analysis comes out, the Centers for Disease Control, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and all VPFW providers strongly recommend COVID-19 vaccination for all people 12 years and older, including people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant now, or might become pregnant in the future.
It’s starting to get ugly in the hospitals, both in the ICUs and unfortunately in Labor & Delivery – ALL UNVACCINATED. Vaccination is approved and recommended at any point during pregnancy. Keep reading to learn why.
Pregnant Women are at Increased Risk for Severe Illness and Preterm Birth Due to COVID-19
As VPFW’s Dr. Jennie Draper emphasized in our recent blog post, “ACOG urges women who are pregnant or trying to conceive not to wait on COVID-19 vaccination,” all recent studies show that pregnant and recently pregnant people are at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19, compared with non-pregnant people. Severe illness includes illness that requires hospitalization, intensive care, need for a ventilator or special equipment to breathe, or illness that results in death.
Additionally, pregnant people with COVID-19 are at increased risk of preterm birth and might be at increased risk of other adverse pregnancy outcomes, compared with pregnant women without COVID-19.
All Current Studies Show Vaccines are Safe and Effective During and Before Pregnancy
“The vaccines are safe and effective,” said CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Wallensky, “and it has never been more urgent to increase vaccinations as we face the highly transmissible Delta variant and see severe outcomes from COVID-19 among unvaccinated pregnant people.”
Scientists have compared the pregnancies of women who have received COVID-19 vaccines and women who have not. The reports show that these women have had similar pregnancy outcomes. The data do not show any safety concerns.
Vaccination During or Before Pregnancy Does Not Increase Risk of Miscarriage
Furthermore, new CDC data analysis shows that there is not a higher risk of miscarriage when receiving a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine before or during pregnancy. “Miscarriage typically occurs in about 11-16% of pregnancies, and this study found miscarriage rates after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine were around 13%, similar to the expected rate of miscarriage in the general population.”
No Evidence that COVID-19 Vaccines Affect Fertility
As VPFW’s Dr. Amanda Vaughan shared in her Vaccine FAQ’s blog post, ACOG notes that claims linking COVID-19 vaccines to infertility are unfounded and have no scientific evidence supporting them. It recommends vaccination for all eligible people who may consider future pregnancy.
Breastfeeding After Vaccination Can Help Protect Your Baby
The CDC and ACOG recommend breastfeeding women be vaccinated. After you are vaccinated, the antibodies made by your body may be passed through breastmilk and may help protect your baby from the virus.
Treatment of Vaccine Side Effects in Pregnant Women
Pregnant patients who have discomfort after getting a vaccination shot may take acetaminophen. The over-the-counter medication is safe during pregnancy. If your discomfort lasts more than a couple days, talk with your OB/GYN.
Discussing Your Personal Risks with Your OB/GYN
If you have questions about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine while pregnant, check out ACOG’s FAQ’s, “Why Should I get the COVID-19 Vaccine While Pregnant?” and don’t hesitate to reach out to your obstetrician. A conversation with your physician is not required for receiving the vaccine, but it will help you understand the recommendation with regards to your personal situation and health history.
Patients who work in certain jobs, such as healthcare, may be at higher risk of COVID-19 infection. Certain health conditions like obesity, diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure or immunocompromised states may also increase your risk. Your physician will be happy to discuss your personal risks of getting infected with COVID-19 and how it could affect your pregnancy.
To schedule an appointment with a VPFW provider, you can call us at 804-897-2100 or set an appointment online.