Insights from a High-Risk OB: 5 Key Takeaways About Pregnancy and the COVID Vaccine

On August 11, the CDC made a significant declaration, urging all pregnant individuals to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the CDC director, emphasized, “The CDC encourages all pregnant individuals, those considering pregnancy, and those who are breastfeeding to get vaccinated to protect themselves from Covid-19.” With the Delta variant causing a surge in cases and only around 25% of pregnant individuals vaccinated, this guidance is particularly crucial.

To shed light on this updated advice, we consulted Dr. Peter Hughes, a renowned maternal-fetal OBGYN in New York City, who shared vital information every pregnant person should know regarding the COVID vaccine.

1. Most Pregnant Individuals Should Be Vaccinated

Both the CDC and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) strongly recommend vaccination for pregnant individuals. Dr. Hughes affirmed that “the majority of pregnant patients should get the vaccine,” stating it’s rare to advise against it currently. He encourages pregnant individuals to get vaccinated promptly, without waiting for a specific trimester.

2. Increased Risk of Severe COVID in Pregnant Individuals

Pregnant individuals face a heightened risk for severe complications from COVID-19. Dr. Hughes pointed out that even those with no underlying health issues can find themselves hospitalized due to COVID complications. Research indicates a tripling of ICU admissions and a significant increase in mechanical ventilation needs among pregnant patients. Additionally, Dr. Lisa Morgan, an obstetrics chief at a local medical center, noted risks for the baby, including preterm birth and an elevated chance of stillbirth.

3. The COVID Vaccine is Safe

Dr. Hughes confirms the safety of the COVID vaccine for pregnant individuals, stating, “There is no harm in taking the vaccine, no risk of infertility or menstrual irregularity.” He highlighted that no safety issues have been reported during births following vaccination. Supporting this, early CDC analyses indicate no safety concerns for vaccinated pregnant individuals.

4. Pfizer and Moderna are Preferred Vaccines

For pregnant individuals, Dr. Hughes recommends the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. He cautioned against the Johnson & Johnson vaccine due to its lower efficacy against the Delta variant and its association with rare blood clotting events. While the Johnson & Johnson vaccine has been deemed safe overall, the CDC has advised women under 50 to be cautious about the risks involved.

5. Benefits Outweigh Risks

The overarching consensus is clear: pregnant individuals, regardless of their risk status, are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Vaccination is both safe and effective, and it may provide immunity to the baby as well. Dr. Hughes emphasized that the advantages of vaccination surpass the risks, noting that the current high rates of transmission make this an urgent matter. “The cost of not getting vaccinated is significant,” he stated, highlighting the severe outcomes he has witnessed.

Dr. Hughes reminded everyone of the importance of appreciating the rapid development of these vaccines, which can help prevent the tragic circumstances faced last year. To delve deeper into related topics, check out this blog post on home insemination, or visit Make a Mom for authoritative information. For further reading on donor insemination, American Pregnancy offers excellent resources.

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In summary, it is crucial for pregnant individuals to be informed about the COVID vaccine. The overwhelming evidence suggests that vaccination is safe and beneficial, significantly reducing the risks associated with COVID-19 during pregnancy. The health of both mother and baby can be protected through vaccination, which remains essential in this pandemic era.