The crisis of Covid-19 is, hands down, one of the biggest highlights of the 21st century. It hit us out of nowhere and put the entire human species to test. However, it took not more than one year for the brightest minds of the world to come up with vaccines that would protect the population from the effects of the virus.
With the coming of vaccines, however, there has been a significant increase in a vaccine-hesitant attitude, especially in pregnant women, making matters of women’s health more important than before.
While the anxiety is understandable, we are here to clear your doubts and provide you with credible scientific information regarding why getting the vaccine shot is the best thing you can do for your pregnancy and your unborn baby.
What do you put at risk when you hesitate?
The significance of the serious adverse health impact of Coronavirus infection is not an alien notion for any of us anymore. Some, however, are still at higher risk than others. According to various studies and guidelines issued by expert organizations like WHO, pregnant women are relatively more vulnerable to catch the virus.
In many instances, even asymptomatic covid infection can result in severe deterioration of the health of the mother. Professionals have also laid down certain negative pregnancy outcomes brought about by coronavirus.
This can range from ICU admission to preterm birth to something as devastating as neonatal morbidity. The risk is even higher for women with pre-existing health complications like diabetes and hypertension.
Pointers for Breastfeeding mothers
Vaccination programs for pregnant women or women with infants is a recent phenomenon. Because of this, not a lot of studies have been done on the impact of vaccines on breastfeeding birth givers.
However, reports on the covid vaccine regarding their non-infectious nature stand true for mothers and their babies as well. Another report indicates that the mRNA covid vaccine received by breastfeeding persons develops antibodies in breastmilk which in turn acts as protection for the baby. There is limited information on this aspect and more studies are being done.
When to avoid getting a covid vaccine?
While the benefits of getting the covid vaccine outweigh most of the vaccine hesitancy, there still are rare scenarios where certain individuals should avoid getting the vaccine. In the case of pregnancy, the scenarios listed below are the exceptions in case of which vaccine should be avoided.
1. If the individual has experienced allergic reactions to a dose of covid vaccine previously, or generally face reactions to vaccines or other pharmaceuticals products, they should avoid getting the vaccine shot and must contact their doctors regarding the same.
2. In case of covid infection, if the individual has been tested positive, they should wait for 12 weeks from infection or 4-8 weeks after recovery. If Covid treatment involves anti-Covid 19 monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma, then the vaccine is temporarily contradicted and therefore getting a shot must be avoided.
As per the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health And Family Welfare, Govt. of India, pregnant women are eligible for getting vaccinated against the coronavirus. Overall, as per the data available, during the vaccination drive against the coronavirus, no serious adverse events following immunization have been observed so far. Considering these facts women who are pregnant should get themselves vaccinated for their wellbeing and the protection of their unborn baby.
Maintaining social distance, washing hands at regular intervals, maintaining hygiene and getting vaccination shots as soon as possible will go a long way for a bright and happy future for you and your baby. Stay safe, Stay bold, get jabbed!
