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COVID-19

COVID Vaccines

There is limited knowledge of COVID-19 vaccines on pregnant and breastfeeding women since they were not included in the vaccine trials. However over 10,000 pregnant women have received a COVID-19 vaccine thus far and have had no negative outcomes.

It is important to know that: 

  • The vaccine does not contain live virus particles.
  • The mRNA particles that are used in the vaccine are eliminated by our body in hours or days. Therefore, it is unlikely to reach the placenta.
  • Recent studies have shown that coronavirus antibodies can pass to the placenta, giving newborns some immunity to the virus. Research is still being conducted to how long this immunity lasts.
  • One of the side effects from the vaccine, more common in the second dose, is fever. The fever can be managed with Tylenol, which is safe for pregnant people. High, prolonged fevers can lead to birth defects but are very rare.

 

Other side effects (which usually last 24 to 48 hours after your dose) include: 

  • Chills
  • Tiredness
  • Headache

 

If the vaccine is made available to you, it is your choice if you get vaccinated. Consulting your healthcare provider is not a requirement; however, it can help in getting some questions answered. Questions you can ask your healthcare provider can include:

  • What risks are there for pregnant women and their baby to COVID-19?
  • What is known about the vaccine and how it can affect pregnant women?

If you are worried about how it might affect your baby you can wait until after you deliver to get the vaccine.

There are some unanswered questions about the vaccine, however it has potential benefits for those who are pregnant and breastfeeding.

For updated information visit, Harvard Health Publishing and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

You can also visit Coronavirus (COVID-19), Pregnancy, and Breastfeeding for more information on COVID-19 and pregnancy, labor and delivery, and vaccines.

COVID-19, Labor & 
Delivery

Pregnancy is stressful to navigate. It becomes even more difficult during a pandemic.

Below are a few aspects that have changed to the standard labor and delivery plan in hospitals due to the pandemic.

  • Testing: Be prepared to get tested after you arrive at the hospital for labor and delivery to ensure your safety, your baby’s and other individuals in the hospital.
    • For a scheduled C-section, testing usually happens 48 hours before.
  • Hospital Visitors: Many hospitals have changed their visitors’ policies during the pandemic to control the spread of the virus. Check the hospital or birth center policy regarding hospital visitors during labor.
    • Most hospitals only allow one visitor to accompany the patient through the birthing process. This visitor can be a partner, family member or doula.
  • If you test positive at the time of birth: It is unlikely that you will be able to have a birthing partner that lives in the same household as you.
    • You are encouraged to have a back-up choice in case you or your first-choice tests positive.
    • Your newborn will be tested 24 hours after delivery. There is a very small number of babies who test positive for the virus after birth.
  • There is no evidence that the virus can be transmitted through the breastmilk, therefore you will still be able to breastfeed your baby. Extra precaution measures are taken with mothers who have COVID-19 such as washing their hands before handling their newborn and wearing a mask.
  • You will still be able to share a room with your baby if you choose to do so. Mothers are required to wear a mask the entire time and wash their hands as often as possible.

COVID-19 & Pregnancy

Pregnant people are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 compared to non-pregnant individuals.

Being aware of safety precautions you can take during pregnancy and what to do in case you do become infected can help keep you and your baby safe.

  • Staying Healthy
  • Keep all of your appointments during and after pregnancy.
  • Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick or has symptoms. Always maintain 6 feet away from people in public.
  • Limit contact with people outside of your circle as much as possible. This can increase your chances of contracting the virus.
  • Wash your hands as often as you can, or use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Exposure to COVID-19
  • If you think or know you have been exposed to COVID-19 notify your healthcare provider immediately.
  • Be aware of the emergency warning signs (trouble breathing, persistent chest pain, inability to wake or stay awake, bluish lips or face) and seek care immediately if you are experiencing severe symptoms. Use the Coronavirus Self-Checker to decide when you should seek medical care.

 

Severe cases of COVID-19 are associated with:

  • Preterm birth
  • Postpartum hemorrhaging

 

For more information on COVID-19 and pregnancy visit, COVID-19 and pregnancy.