Read on to see our list of how COVID infection affects pregnant people.
It’s hard to believe the COVID-19 pandemic has been going on for almost two years. When the coronavirus first came on the scene, shelter-in-place orders and shutdowns were the standards for living through such an unusual time. Now, there are many more options for staying safe and healthy, including masking, social distancing, and avoiding large gatherings.
Of course, the vaccine is another layer to being protected against the virus. When it comes to pregnancy and breastfeeding, though, we know many clients have questions. Is the COVID vaccine safe during pregnancy? How effective is the vaccine for pregnant people? Do antibodies pass onto the baby? Is it OK to get the vaccine while breastfeeding?
At Magnolia Birth House, we are committed to sharing the most recent, trusted data with our clients. It’s our approach with all the care we provide throughout fertility, pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and lactation. We never tell you what to do. We present you with all the information you need to make your own choice. In this blog, we’ll discuss the data surrounding the COVID vaccine, especially during pregnancy, with the hope that you can make an informed decision for yourself and your loved ones.
“Now, to address some myths. The COVID vaccines do not contain microchips and are not magnetic. There is no shedding because there is no live virus in the vaccines. They also do not change or interact with your DNA in any way.”
How Does COVID Infection Affect Pregnant People?
The evidence suggests the following impacts from COVID-19 illness for the populations our birth center serves:
Pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection are at increased risk for severe illness and hospitalization compared to non-pregnant women.
Pregnant folks with comorbidities, such as diabetes, heart disease, or hypertension, are at a substantially greater risk of getting very sick from COVID and being hospitalized.
The most adverse effects from COVID infection are seen during the third trimester.
Adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth and pregnancy loss have been reported in people with COVID infection.
Hispanic or Black pregnant folks have disproportionately higher rates of COVID-19-associated hospitalization compared with pregnant people of other races and ethnicities.
SARS-CoV-2 infection impacts the placental villi and can result in injury and inflammation.
The COVID-19 pandemic is adversely affecting the mental health and safety of pregnant people.
Is the COVID Vaccine Safe During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy is a time when we are often naturally inclined to make healthier choices and to be vigilant about how we care for ourselves. We understand that pregnant people are deeply socialized to be responsible for and cautious about every single thing they put into their bodies that might affect the health of their developing baby, from ibuprofen to sushi. It makes sense that there is great concern about getting a COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy.
At the same time, we are living in a pandemic, an unprecedented event for most of us in our lifetime. With this in mind, we are asking our clients to look through a slightly different lens as it applies to COVID-19 and the continually evolving guidance and recommendations.
Now, to address some myths. The COVID vaccines do not contain microchips and are not magnetic. There is no shedding because there is no live virus in the vaccines. They also do not change or interact with your DNA in any way.
To answer the safety question, the literature shows that the vaccine is considered safe while pregnant, and it’s safer to get the vaccine than to get COVID while pregnant. The vaccine also appears to give the baby some immunity. Most of the data is from pregnant people who received second- and third-trimester vaccines, but it is still safe to get the vaccine while trying to conceive or during the first trimester.
Is It OK to Get Vaccinated While Breastfeeding?
Yes, lactating people can safely receive the COVID vaccine. It’s important to remember that the vaccine does not cause infection. In fact, recent reports have shown that breastfeeding people who have received mRNA COVID-19 vaccines have antibodies in their breast milk. These antibodies are shown to protect respiratory and gut passages, which could help protect babies from getting COVID.
What Are the Side Effects of the COVID Vaccine?
The most frequent reaction to the COVID vaccine is localized pain at the injection site in the upper arm. There also may be redness or swelling. Throughout the rest of the body, common side effects are fatigue, headache, body aches, chills, fever, and nausea. Reactions tend to be more intense after the second shot. These symptoms, which mean the immune system is doing its job and building protection, are normal.
If you are pregnant when getting vaccinated and develop a fever, the CDC recommends taking acetaminophen because fever for any reason during pregnancy can have adverse outcomes.
Are There Alternative Treatments That Work?
When we look at the evidence, the most effective way to protect yourself against COVID and to reduce the spread of the virus is through vaccination. Off-label pharmaceuticals and botanicals are not proven to be safe or effective and should never be substituted for medical care when it’s needed.
That said, you can still lead a healthy life and support your immune system in the following ways:
Eat a healthy diet, especially with low sugar and low alcohol (and of course no alcohol while pregnant).
Take a multivitamin and supplement with vitamin D.
Get adequate sleep.
Reduce stress by staying active, spending time in nature, and finding joy where you can.
Stay connected with loved ones.
Prioritize your mental health.
We also recommend a layered approach, which includes wearing masks, washing and sanitizing hands, avoiding large gatherings, social distancing, and not traveling if possible.
A Final Word on Informed Consent
As licensed healthcare professionals, we are required to provide informed consent so that clients can make informed decisions about deeply personal choices like vaccination, prenatal testing, circumcision, and a host of other potentially controversial topics. Informed consent is consent obtained after the client has been adequately instructed about the ratio of risk and benefit involved in the procedure as compared to alternative procedures or no treatment at all.
Our burden to provide informed consent includes sharing the official recommendations from national professional organizations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and international public health entities like the Centers for Disease Control. Information sharing is the bare minimum we have to do. It would be negligent to do otherwise. It doesn’t mean your decision must follow the recommendations of those entities; however, it is our obligation to share them.
This is not about having an agenda around what choice you make; our personal feelings have no place in your decision-making. Rather, information sharing is about facilitating your full agency in decision-making and grounding your autonomy by providing access to all the available information so you can make an informed choice.
To learn more about prenatal care and birth services at Magnolia, schedule a free consultation by filling out our form.
