Important Insights on Pregnancy and the COVID Vaccine from a High-Risk OB

On August 11, the CDC took a decisive step by strongly recommending that all pregnant individuals receive the COVID vaccine. Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the CDC director, stated, “CDC encourages all pregnant people, those considering pregnancy, and breastfeeding individuals to get vaccinated to safeguard themselves against Covid-19.” This guidance comes at a crucial time when the Delta variant is causing a surge in cases and only about 25% of pregnant individuals have received at least one vaccine dose, per CDC data.

We spoke with Dr. Emily Carter, a renowned high-risk maternal-fetal specialist in New York City, to discuss the essential information that pregnant individuals should know about the COVID vaccine.

Most Pregnant Patients Should Get Vaccinated

Both the CDC and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) advocate for all pregnant people to get vaccinated, and Dr. Carter supports this stance. She emphasized that “most pregnant patients should receive the vaccine” and clarified that it’s uncommon to advise against vaccination at this time. Pregnant individuals can and should be vaccinated as soon as it’s available—there’s no need to wait for a specific trimester.

Increased Risk of Severe COVID in Pregnant Individuals

Pregnant patients are at a heightened risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Dr. Carter noted that even those with no apparent risk factors could end up hospitalized after contracting the virus. Dr. John Smith, an obstetrics professor at a leading medical school, highlighted that there’s a threefold increase in ICU admissions and a 2.5-fold higher risk of requiring mechanical ventilation compared to non-pregnant individuals. Sadly, the risks also extend to the baby, including complications like preterm birth and an increased risk of stillbirth, as explained by Dr. Lisa Thompson, a chief obstetrician at a major medical center.

Safety of the COVID Vaccine

Dr. Carter reassured that the vaccines are safe for pregnant individuals, stating, “There’s no harm in getting vaccinated. No risk of infertility or menstrual irregularities.” Early data from the CDC supports this conclusion, revealing no safety concerns for those vaccinated during pregnancy and no increased risk for miscarriage for individuals vaccinated within the first 20 weeks.

Recommended Vaccines for Pregnant Individuals

Dr. Carter recommends the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines for pregnant individuals. She pointed out that while the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is safe, it has lower efficacy against the Delta variant and carries a rare risk of blood clots, especially for women under 50.

Weighing the Benefits Against Risks

In summary, pregnant individuals, regardless of their risk level, are at an increased risk of serious illness due to COVID-19. The vaccination is both safe and effective, protecting not just the individual but also providing some immunity to the baby. Dr. Carter emphasized that the benefits of vaccination significantly outweigh the risks, a sentiment echoed by public health experts. As Dr. Smith remarked, “I have seen pregnant women fall gravely ill and, tragically, some have died.”

Dr. Carter encourages people to appreciate the vaccines that were developed quickly to prevent a repeat of last year’s devastation.

For additional insights into pregnancy and home insemination, you can check out this related blog post. If you are considering at-home options for starting a family, CryoBaby’s at-home insemination kit is a reputable resource, and the Johns Hopkins Fertility Center provides excellent information on pregnancy and fertility services.

Summary

In conclusion, pregnant individuals should prioritize getting vaccinated against COVID-19 due to their increased risk of severe illness. The vaccines are safe and effective, with significant benefits for both mother and baby.

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