Pregnancy is a beautiful and special time, but it also requires extra care to protect both mother and baby. Receiving your COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy is crucial for your health and your unborn child’s well-being.
Why COVID-19 Vaccination is Important in Pregnancy
- Protects You and Your Baby: Pregnant individuals are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Vaccination lowers the chance of complications like hospitalizations, preterm birth, and stillbirth.
- Immunity Passed to Baby: Antibodies generated by the vaccine cross the placenta and provide newborns with protection for the first few months of life, before they can be vaccinated themselves.
- Safe During All Trimesters: Leading health organizations, including ACOG and CDC, recommend COVID-19 vaccination at any stage of pregnancy, postpartum, or while breastfeeding. There is no need to delay pregnancy or breastfeeding due to vaccination.
What to Expect from the Vaccine
- Side effects are generally mild and similar to those experienced by non-pregnant individuals, such as soreness at the injection site or mild fatigue.
- Ongoing studies continue to show no negative impact on pregnancy or fetal health.
Stay Protected, Stay Healthy
COVID-19 infection can pose serious risks during pregnancy, so getting vaccinated is a vital step to safeguard your health and the health of your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about receiving the vaccine if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Conclusion
Taking your COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy is one of the best decisions you can make to protect yourself and your unborn child from severe illness. Vaccination offers peace of mind and helps ensure a healthier pregnancy journey.