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The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has impacted everyone. No matter your age, background, financial situation, or current circumstances, you have likely been impacted by COVID-19 in some way. In recent months, vaccinations (and now booster shots) have been developed to help stop the spread of this deadly virus and its variants. However, many questions remain about COVID-19 vaccinations and how they affect recipients. If you are pregnant and on the fence about getting vaccinated, you are not alone. Perhaps you have some hesitations, concerns, or simply some questions, about whether you should get the COVID-19 vaccine as a pregnant woman. The current advice is to get the vaccine when pregnant.
It is important to know that getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is your choice. It is a deeply personal decision that requires you think about yourself, your baby, and your loved ones.
Adoptions With Love is here to help walk you through this important choice. We understand the difficult situation you are already facing, being pregnant during a global pandemic. If you are asking, ‘Should I get vaccinated while pregnant?’, continue reading. Here, we will explore what pregnant women should know about the COVID-19 vaccine, what the current recommendations are for pregnant women, and how to help protect you and your baby against a constantly-evolving virus. We will share helpful information about this topic as you navigate your options, in order to help you make an informed decision for your baby.
COVID-19 Guidelines for Pregnant Women
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the public health protection agency of the United States. The CDC’s top priority is to conduct critical research and protect Americans from health, safety, and security threats. This includes COVID-19.
The CDC has growing evidence that supports the safety and effectiveness of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, which they say, outweighs any known or potential risks of vaccination during pregnancy. As of this writing, there is no evidence to suggest that any vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, cause fertility problems in people. Scientists continue to monitor vaccination during pregnancy, however, they have not found any increased risk for miscarriage or premature caused by the COVID-19 vaccines.
Therefore, the CDC recommends that people who are pregnant should receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine can help protect YOU – and your future baby – from becoming infected and experiencing ill symptoms due to the virus.
According to the CDC, people who are pregnant are more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19 compared to those who are not pregnant. The CDC recommends getting a COVID-19 vaccine if you are five years old or older, and this includes anyone who is:
- Pregnant
- Breastfeeding
- Trying to get pregnant
- Might become pregnant soon get a COVID-19 vaccine
The CDC also states that pregnant women may also receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot.
None of the vaccines available contain live viruses and cannot make anyone sick with COVID-19, according to the CDC, just as the flu vaccine does not cause the flu.
You can read more about the COVID-19 vaccines while pregnant or breastfeeding here.
Of course, it is important to talk to your clinician about the COVID-19 vaccination and whether it is right for you. Your primary care physician, OB/GYN, or another healthcare provider can help you make a more informed decision based on your personal situation and health needs. If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and do not know where to turn, Adoptions With Love can help you get in contact with a knowledgeable healthcare practitioner in your area.
Pregnant? How to Protect Yourself Against COVID-19
If you are pregnant, you may be wondering how you can protect yourself from getting sick with the novel coronavirus. The virus has spread to over 57 million people in the U.S. and cases continue to grow. If you are nervous about coming down with COVID-19 and its new variants, you will want to take some precautions to protect yourself and your unborn child.
- Consult with Your Doctor about Vaccination
If you are nervous or unsure about getting the COVID-19 vaccine, make an appointment with your doctor. It is completely normal to have concerns and to question the safety and effectiveness of a new vaccine. Speaking with your doctor about what is best for you may help ease your fears, and together you can determine whether the vaccine is the right choice.
If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, and you are thinking about placing your child for adoption, you can also contact your adoption specialist. A reputable agency like Adoptions With Love can help you find a doctor if you do not already have one that you trust. Our free services cover all costs of proper medical care related to pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care.
- Take Precautions
Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020, medical experts have learned the importance of PPE and other coronavirus safety protocols. There are many tools at our disposal to help protect against COVID-19. The CDC recommends the following measures in preventing infection:
- Vaccination & booster
- Face masks when indoors
- Social Distancing – Staying 6 feet from others
- Frequent hand washing
- Avoidance of large crowds when possible
- Cleaning & disinfecting home
- Monitoring your health daily
If you cannot afford personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face masks, hand sanitizer, and cleaning products, contact your adoption agency. Adoptions With Love offers financial support for maternity related expenses if you are considering adoption.
- Keep Up with Prenatal Appointments
One of the best ways to protect the health of you and your baby is by keeping up with regular prenatal appointments. Your adoption specialist can help you find a doctor or midwife. Frequent prenatal appointments help doctors track the progress of your baby, monitor your health, and determine any risks or complications that may develop. Healthy pregnancies typically involve monthly appointments, with appointments scheduled more frequently as the pregnancy progresses. Whenever you meet with your doctor or midwife, you can ask questions regarding your health, COVID-19, and any other health concerns you may have.
Reach Out to Adoptions With Love for Support
If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and you are thinking about making an adoption plan for your child, contact Adoptions With Love today. We can offer you support, information, and guidance throughout the entire journey. We can ensure proper medical care is given throughout the pregnancy. Call us today with your questions at 800-722-7731, text us confidentially at 617-777-0072, or contact us online.