COVID Vaccination in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

As the Covid-19 pandemic drags on, we understand that many patients and their loved ones have questions about how to stay safe and healthy, and especially may have concerns if they are pregnant or breastfeeding. We are here to help answer your questions.

What are the Risks of COVID-19 for Pregnant Women? 

• COVID-19 infection can be dangerous for the pregnant woman and her unborn baby. 
• Pregnant women are at increased risk for severe illness such as COVID-19 Pneumonia, compared to women who are not pregnant
• Women with COVID-19 Pneumonia in Pregnancy have increased risk for premature delivery
• 105,000 pregnant U.S. women have been infected with COVID-19 and almost 18,000 have been hospitalized. About one-fourth of those received intensive care and 124 died to date.

Should I Get the COVID-19 Vaccine During Pregnancy? 

• Getting vaccinated is the most effective way to protect yourself and your unborn baby from severe COVID-19 illness. 
• The CDC and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) encourage all pregnant women and those breastfeeding to get vaccinated. 
• A CDC analysis found no safety concerns for women in the preconception period or during pregnancy following receipt of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna). 
• COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy or while breastfeeding helps protect the baby from COVID-19. 
• 150,000 women in the United States vaccinated during pregnancy, there is currently no evidence that COVID-19 vaccines cause any problem with the pregnancy, the unborn baby or with breastfeeding. 

Is it Safe to get the Vaccine if I am Trying to get Pregnant? 

• CDC / ACOG recommends vaccination for all who are actively trying to become pregnant. 
• It is not necessary to delay pregnancy after completing both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. 
• COVID-19 vaccines are not associated with fertility issues or miscarriage. 

Which Vaccine is Preferred for Women who are Pregnant or of Childbearing Age? 

• Any of the currently authorized COVID-19 vaccines can be administered to women planning pregnancy, in pregnancy or breastfeeding. 
• In women <50 years, there is a very slight risk of developing a serious clotting issue after receiving the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. 
• The mRNA vaccines produced by Pfizer or Moderna have not been associated with clotting issues, and therefore may be preferred for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.

Please talk to your OB/Gyn about Covid vaccination and any other questions you may have. We are here to help you stay safe and healthy!

Premier OB-Gyn is accepting new patients in both our Maitland, FL and Oviedo, FL locations. We would be happy to see you! Please call 321-397-1212 or visit www.premierob-gyn.com to book your appointment!

Author

Allison Bradley-Amore, DO, FACOOG Allison Bradley-Amore, D.O., F.A.C.O.O.G. is a Board-Certified OB-Gyn physician who joined Premier OB-Gyn in 2018. Dr. Bradley-Amore is originally from Groveland, Massachusetts, a small town north of Boston. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Davidson College in North Carolina and earned her Master of Science degree from Tufts University in Boston. She received her doctoral degree from Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2014. She was elected Chief Resident of the University of Central Florida’s Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at Osceola Medical Center. She is a huge Disney fan and can be found exploring Walt Disney World during her time off.