As soon as my state announced that pregnancy qualified as a condition for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, I eagerly signed up to get it. I pulled my 35-week-pregnant self out of my car and braved the wintry mix of sleet and ice to join the line. In my mind, I envisioned a day filled with sunshine and joy, but instead, I was greeted with icy pellets hitting my maternity coat and the two masks covering my face. Despite my excitement about getting vaccinated, I felt a swirl of conflicting emotions—but they had nothing to do with pregnancy itself.
Weeks before, when I learned I was eligible for the vaccine, I had reached out to my OB-GYN for guidance. I wanted to know if it was safe for me to get vaccinated during my pregnancy and whether I should do it now or wait until after giving birth. Their response was clear: “We recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for all our patients, whether they are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to conceive.” After a long stretch of navigating life in a pandemic, I was relieved to hear my doctors support vaccination for pregnant patients.
However, I couldn’t shake the feeling of uncertainty. Did I deserve to be vaccinated when supplies were still limited? At 34, I work from home, rarely leave the house, and only venture out for family walks or to pick up my toddler from daycare. I didn’t have any high-risk conditions apart from my pregnancy, and by the time I returned for my second shot, I might not even be pregnant anymore.
I was taken aback to find I even had the opportunity to get vaccinated while pregnant. On January 19, my state expanded its vaccination eligibility to include anyone with health conditions that increased their risk for severe COVID symptoms—pregnancy was on that list. The very next day, I logged onto my local health bureau’s website and quickly secured my appointment.
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For a broader understanding of parenting aspirations among younger generations, you might want to explore our post on distinct parenting goals for Gen Z and Millennial moms.
In summary, my decision to get vaccinated during pregnancy was fueled by the guidance of my healthcare providers and my desire to protect myself and my baby. It’s essential to gather all the right information and resources while navigating these choices.