If you are considering pregnancy, are currently pregnant, or have recently given birth, we understand your health and the health of your baby are paramount. We couldn't agree more. Our goal is to help you have a happy, healthy pregnancy and delivery. Over the past 18 months, there have been many questions surrounding COVID-19 and how it will affect your unborn child. More recently, questions have turned towards whether it is safe to get the vaccine if you are considering pregnancy, are pregnant, or breastfeeding. In addition to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, and the CDC all recommend COVID-19 vaccines in pregnancy.
Recently, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG) has provided comprehensive information relating to this topic that we feel is important to share with you.
Remember that researchers are learning more about COVID-19 all the time. Some researchers are looking specifically at COVID-19 and its possible effects on a fetus. Here’s what they know now:
After birth, a newborn can get the virus if they are exposed to it.
The short answer is YES!
1. If you are considering getting pregnant: Yes, if you are planning or trying to get pregnant, you should get a COVID-19 vaccine. There is no evidence that the COVID-19 vaccines cause infertility. You also do not need to delay getting pregnant after you get a vaccine.
Some COVID-19 vaccines will require two doses. If you find out you are pregnant after you have the first dose, you should still get the second dose.
2. If you are pregnant: ACOG recommends that all pregnant women be vaccinated. Getting a vaccine could help both you and your unborn baby. Vaccines have proven very effective at preventing COVID-19 infection, severe illness, and death.
3. If you are breastfeeding: Yes, ACOG recommends that breastfeeding women get a COVID-19 vaccine. There is no need to stop breastfeeding if you want to get a vaccine. When you get vaccinated, the antibodies made by your body may be passed through breastmilk and may help protect your child from the virus.
Two vaccines require two shots (Pfizer and Moderna), and one vaccine requires only one shot (Johnson & Johnson). All available COVID-19 vaccines are proven to be safe and highly effective. Pregnant and nonpregnant people can choose to get any of the available vaccines. Learn more from the CDC about the different vaccines.
The Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective. All vaccines have gone through intense safety studies and health officials continue to track their safety.
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine does have potential risks, but they are very rare. The vaccine has been linked to two rare health conditions:
These conditions have only been reported in a few people out of every million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine that have been given. Scientists reviewed these reports and decided that the benefits of the vaccine are greater than these risks.
If you are offered the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you should be aware of the potential risks of these rare health conditions. If you choose not to receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you can receive another available vaccine.
Pregnant women who are fully vaccinated can follow the same guidelines as nonpregnant people who are fully vaccinated. You are fully vaccinated 2 weeks after the second dose of a two-dose vaccine, or 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine.
Pregnant and recently pregnant women may choose to keep wearing a mask even when fully vaccinated. Masks are most important for people at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
The CDC says that all fully vaccinated people should still wear masks in some cases, including:
Mask recommendations may change in your area as rates of COVID-19 infection change. Follow current recommendations from the CDC and your state or local government.
If you are pregnant or recently pregnant and not fully vaccinated, it is very important that you keep taking all recommended steps to prevent infection, including:
Face coverings are recommended because studies have shown that people can spread the virus before showing any symptoms. People who are fully vaccinated still need to wear a mask in certain places. You are fully vaccinated 2 weeks after the second dose of a two-dose vaccine, or 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine. See the CDC's latest recommendations on face coverings.
If you are not fully vaccinated, wearing a cloth face covering or mask in public is very important. It is especially important in places where you may not be able to stay 6 feet away from other people, like a grocery store or pharmacy. It also is especially important in parts of the country where COVID-19 is spreading quickly. But you should still try to stay at least 6 feet away from others whenever you leave home.
If you have COVID-19 or think you may have it, you should wear a mask while you are around other people. You also should wear a mask if you are taking care of someone who has COVID-19 or has symptoms. You do not need to wear a surgical mask or medical-grade mask (N95 mask).
It is important to keep your prenatal and postpartum care visits. Call your ob-gyn or other health care professional to ask how your visits may be changed. Some women may have fewer or more spaced-out in-person visits. You also may talk more with your health care team over the phone or through an online video call. This is called telemedicine or telehealth. It is a good way for you to get the care you need while preventing the spread of disease.
If you have a visit scheduled, your care team’s office may call you ahead of time. They may tell you about telemedicine or make sure you do not have symptoms of COVID-19 if you are going into the office. You also can call them before your visits if you do not hear from them.
Yes, it is important to continue getting the health care you need to stay healthy, even while COVID-19 is spreading. Most pregnant and recently pregnant women who are due for screenings, tests, vaccines, or other care from any health care professionals can go ahead with these appointments, with appropriate safety measures in place at the health care office.
You should call the office before your appointment to ask what precautions they are taking, including mask and support-person policies. You also can ask if telehealth is an option for your appointment. If you have an in-person visit, it is important to wear a cloth face covering or mask, stay at least 6 feet away from other people when possible, and keep your hands clean. Talk with your ob-gyn if you have questions about how to stay safe.
We encourage you to read the entire article from the American Council of Obstetrics and Gynecologists containing everything you need to know from the time you are considering pregnancy to postpartum care.
Request an appointment with Voyage Healthcare to receive your COVID-19 vaccine!