COVID-19 Vaccine for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women

While the COVID-19 pandemic is still out there, there is likely one pressing concern for new and to-be moms: can they take the COVID-19 vaccines that are available?

Unfortunately, the data seems to suggest that pregnant women, and women who have recently been pregnant, are at an increased risk of developing severe COVID-19 (especially when compared to non-pregnant women of the same age).

This is because pregnant women go through changes in their immune systems and can be badly affected by some respiratory infections. This risk is even more for older pregnant women, or those who have pre-existing medical conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.

Therefore, it is very important that they take every possible precaution to protect themselves against COVID-19.

But, are the COVID-19 vaccines safe for pregnant and lactating women?

Currently, there is no safety data available, as the vaccines have not been tested on pregnant women or lactating mothers. But, the Indian Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Societies in India (FOGSCI) holds that “there is no increase in maternal side effects with vaccine administration in pregnancy.”

Further, many pregnant and lactating healthcare professionals worldwide have got vaccinated.

Can pregnant women take the vaccine?

As we’ve just mentioned, experts believe that the available COVID-19 vaccines are safe for most pregnant women. While in most studies of the vaccines, pregnant women were not deliberately included. The evidence collected later showed no adverse effects in women who were unknowingly pregnant when they enrolled.

Many professionals hold that the very real benefits of getting the vaccine would outweigh any theoretical and remote risks of vaccination.

However, it is very important that pregnant women consult their obstetrician and gynaecologist to check if it is safe to take the vaccine in their particular case.

What about lactating or breastfeeding mothers?

Luckily experts have not been able to detect the transmission of active COVID-19 viruses through breast milk and breastfeeding. However, some research actually suggests that a lactating mother may pass on her antibodies from her breast milk to her child. Additionally, no known adverse effects of vaccination have been found on infants who are breastfeeding.

Nevertheless, lactating mothers might want to talk to their gynaecologists and paediatricians before making a decision.

What if a pregnant or lactating woman tests positive?

Pregnant and breastfeeding women experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 must get tested at the earliest. In case they have COVID-19, they may need specialized care.

It is still not known whether or not a pregnant woman who has tested positive COVID-19 can pass it to her child during pregnancy or delivery. But, unless she is seriously ill, a pregnant woman can continue with her chosen childbirth experience with respect, dignity, and correct safety precautions on the part of maternity staff.

What to do if a pregnant woman tests positive between doses of the vaccine?

As with other people who get infected with COVID-19 after the first dose of the vaccine, pregnant women should wait for three months after recovering from the illness, and after testing negative for COVID-19, to get their second dose.

What should women who are planning to get pregnant do?

Women who are planning to get pregnant may take the vaccine at any point of time when they get the opportunity to do so.

All the vaccines are rigorously tested, and despite social media rumours, there is no evidence suggesting that any of the COVID-19 vaccines could cause infertility or affect fertility in any way.

What if a woman falls pregnant after taking the vaccine?

If a woman falls pregnant after taking the vaccine, they may treat it as any other pregnancy. However, if this is between the first and second dose of the vaccine, they must still go ahead and take the second dose of the vaccine to get the full benefits of vaccination. Also remember that both doses must be of the same type of vaccine (ex. both doses of Covishield, or both doses of Covaxin).

What if a family member of a pregnant woman tests positive?

In case a family member (or any other person in the same household as a pregnant woman) tests positive, they must get tested as soon as possible.

If the household member is well enough to stay at home, they must stay isolated and quarantine in a separate room if possible and be cared for by someone other than the expecting mother. Here are some other steps a person quarantining at home must follow:

They must wear a face mask when exposed to others.
They need to avoid sharing personal items like dishes, towels, bedding, or electronics with other members of the household.
They should avoid having any unnecessary visitors apart from their caregivers, especially those who are at high risk for severe illness.
Their space must have good airflow and air circulation.
The caregivers must follow all safety protocols (like mask-wearing and washing hands) and also need to quarantine and get tested.

So, to sum up, current research suggests that the COVID-19 vaccines are safe for pregnant and lactating women, especially as they are at increased risk of severe COVID-19-associated illness. In fact, it seems like it may even have some benefits for both the mother and child, as antibodies could pass to the babies and offer them some immunity.

However, new or to-be moms need to talk to their doctor about this, so that they can take the vaccine and protect themselves and their baby from the virus!