For those who are pregnant or considering getting pregnant, there are so many health questions, from “Is caffeine okay?” to “Can I still exercise?” But during the COVID-19 pandemic, some are also wondering if the COVID-19 vaccines are safe to take.
In this Q&A, Joanne Stone, MD, MS, Director of Maternal Fetal Medicine at the Mount Sinai Health System, explains the dangerous risks of COVID-19 during pregnancy, shares the facts on why you should get the vaccine, and offers reassurance for those who may be worried.
If someone is pregnant, or trying to get pregnant, should they get vaccinated?
Yes, if you’re pregnant, or thinking of getting pregnant, or even if you’re breastfeeding, this is absolutely the time to get the vaccine. I would not wait one extra day. I would get it today because there’s a lot of data that shows the vaccine is very safe and it’s not associated with miscarriage or infertility. Also, it’s the most important way to prevent COVID-19 infection.
Joanne Stone, MD, MS
Are pregnant people especially at risk for COVID-19?
Pregnant women who get COVID-19 infection are at a much higher risk for adverse outcomes, such as severe disease and even maternal death. There’s also higher risk for complications, including preeclampsia, which is high blood pressure in pregnancy, as well as increased risk for the baby, including preterm delivery. For all these reasons, the risks of COVID-19 infection are much higher for both mom and baby. So it’s extremely important to prevent this disease during pregnancy through vaccination plus other measures like mask wearing and social distancing.
What else should patients know about the vaccines and pregnancy?
Patients should understand there are a lot of myths out there that have not proven to be true. For example, there’s no increased risk of infertility if you get the vaccine prior to getting pregnant. Pregnant people should also know that there are complications associated with COVID-19 in pregnancy, and these complications that can be prevented by getting the vaccine. Also, the vaccine has been studied extensively. All the major organizations involved with women’s health care—including the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—are strongly advocating that people who are pregnant get the vaccine.