Pregnant Women and Their Unborn Kids Can Benefit from the Vaccine 

The coronavirus vaccinations provided to pregnant women offer security to babies once they are born. The latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study put forward this claim. According to this study, the mothers of the infants who got completely vaccinated with the mRNA shots during their pregnancy were much less likely to get hospitalized if they got infected by the virus. The protection provided by the vaccine seems to be strong after about 20 weeks of their pregnancy. Today, most doctors are suggesting pregnant women to get vaccinated on priority to rule down the dangers of the virus. 

Vaccination is crucial for all and especially pregnant women. There has been much debate about vaccination impacting one’s freedom. However, according to MyBioSource, 48% of people in Idaho, 64% in Louisiana, and 50% in Montana feel that the vaccine will not hinder their freedom. It has been established that maternal vaccinations can develop coronavirus antibodies that can be passed on to the baby for protection. Most scientists came to this conclusion that they found the antibodies in the umbilical cords that act as the conduit for waste and nutrients between the mother and the unborn infant. 

According to Dana Meaney-Delman, who is the chief of the CDC’s infant-outcome research, monitoring, and prevention branch, maternal vaccination is crucial for securing the young infants. It is essential since the virus has affected several kids who had to be hospitalized. Recent data on 379 infants in about 20 pediatric hospitals across 17 states showed that 176 people had COVID-19. 

The relevance of vaccination for pregnant women

For months the CDC had recommended vaccination for pregnant women. It is because a woman has more chances of attracting the virus during pregnancy. There have been numerous studies where the women were hospitalized and placed in the intensive care unit. Some of the patients even died due to the virus infection. If a pregnant woman doesn’t get vaccinated, she has a higher risk of stillbirth and preterm birth. A study conducted in Scotland found that unvaccinated mothers might have to witness the death of their newborns after a month of their birth. 

The research for other ailments, like flu or whooping cough, found out that if a woman is immune during pregnancy, it can provide them with greater protection, especially during the first six months of their life. Several doctors think that this period is essential as they might contract a severe illness and don’t qualify to get vaccinated. However, despite being reminded several times, the pregnant women are still not vaccinated. If we go by the CDC data, close to 42% of the pregnant women between the age bracket if 18 and 39 are vaccinated. 

That aside, several parenting and pregnancy apps and other discussion forums offer data about the vaccine. Some of them are even spreading misinformation. Some of the apps have spread false news and fear amongst women, stating that if they get vaccinated, it can lead to complications in pregnancy and infertility as well. And that is preventing most women from getting vaccinated. It is necessary for women to stay empowered with the correct data. And doctors suggest that the moment a pregnant woman is keen to take the vaccine, she should be provided with it. 

The way forward to keep pregnant women secured

Since the vaccination rates are low amongst pregnant women, there is a new guideline from the CDC stating if the immunization is correct for them. Usually, it is made available after 20 health organizations and more urged pregnant women to get vaccinated. It also includes women who are already pregnant and the ones who are preparing for pregnancy. 

Going by the latest data, nearly 23% of pregnant women got vaccinated. According to the CDC, these women should take all three doses of vaccines to remain safe from the virus attack and protect their newborns. 

Rochelle Walensky, Director, CDC, asserts that all pregnant women and women considering to get pregnant should get vaccinated at the earliest. The vaccines are effective and very safe. Since the COVID variants are becoming increasingly transmissible, it is necessary to get vaccinated so that women don’t face the extreme adverse outcomes of the virus. 

Since women undergo several hormonal and physical changes during pregnancy, it could be that the vaccine might bring about some bodily changes. For instance, it can induce aches and pains that can make them feel fatigued for a few days. That should discourage women from shying away from the vaccine. It is necessary to get in touch with the concerned doctor and report any temporary side effects that the vaccine might have brought. In most cases, the side effects are mild and go away within 4 to 5 days. If it doesn’t, an expert medical community is constantly researching the effects of the vaccine on pregnant women and can provide the best solution.