What You Need to Know About the COVID-19 Vaccine and Pregnancy

For many, raising a family and having children is a dream. Children can bring joy and happiness into one’s life! Women’s Care understands that the past two years have been extremely difficult from the COVID-19 pandemic and that it has raised numerous questions about safe pregnancy.

Now, the main concern has shifted to the COVID-19 vaccine and its effect on pregnancy. New data shows that the vaccine is safe for both the mother and child, despite the ongoing misconceptions and false claims. According to Brant Cooper, MD at Women’s Care, health officials are much more confident about the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine than just six months ago. With the Delta variant surge, it is important to consider vaccination to protect yourself, your community and your baby.

Why should I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

• Two leading organizations specializing in obstetric care, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM), recommend that pregnant individuals be vaccinated.
• Vaccination rates are low, hence increased COVID cases.
• Unvaccinated pregnant people are at an increased risk of severe complications and even death.
• Pregnant individuals who wait until after delivery to get vaccinated are exposing themselves to a higher risk of illness or death.

Dr. Cooper emphasizes that the risks of getting COVID-19 outweigh the doubts of not receiving the vaccine.

“We’ve unfortunately seen a number of pregnant women who have gotten COVID,” said Cooper. “Some have been in the hospital. One has been in the hospital for about a month, so you really can get ill. The immune system doesn’t work as hard when you’re pregnant.”

What are the benefits of the vaccine?

• Vaccination is safe before, during or after pregnancy.
• The COVID-19 vaccine minimizes the risk of complications associated with the virus.
• Receiving the vaccine is the best method to reduce maternal and fetal complications of the virus among pregnant people.
• There is evidence among reporting pregnant individuals that the vaccine has been effective and safe.

What should I do if I’m interested in getting vaccinated?

Contact your obstetrician or midwife to get additional information on the vaccination process and to choose the right vaccine just for you! It’s important that you feel comfortable, confident and ready in the decision to get vaccinated.

Vaccination is an effective and safe way to keep yourself and others safe from any novel virus.

Whether you are in the early stages of pregnancy or close to delivery, by consulting with a professional and choosing to get vaccinated you are making a difference to end the pandemic.