March 6, 2023

Should I Get a COVID-19 Vaccine if I Am Pregnant or Trying to Conceive?

Should I Get a COVID-19 Vaccine if I Am Pregnant or Trying to Conceive?

3 Minute Read:

With COVID-19 continuing to spread across the world, the risk of women who are pregnant or want to become pregnant catching the virus is high. Unfortunately, COVID-19 is particularly dangerous for pregnant women. 

According to the CDC, pregnant women have a higher chance of developing severe symptoms from the virus than non-pregnant women. COVID-19 infections are also correlated with several pregnancy-related complications.

A pregnant woman pointing to her upper arm wearing a COVID-19 face mask.

The COVID-19 Vaccine Can Protect You and Your Baby

Based on the available data, the CDC and WHO urges all of his patients who can get vaccinated to do so as quickly as possible. Avoiding a severe COVID-19 infection is important for preserving your health and your baby’s.

Are There Vaccine Risks?

Rumors concerning the risks associated with vaccines are common across social media. However, medical data compiled over several decades shows no link between vaccines and serious health concerns. There is no evidence that vaccines cause autism, mental illness, or other long-term medical concerns.

Rare and Temporary Allergy Risks

Patients may be allergic to vaccines in rare cases, but this is due to ingredients (usually preservatives) used to keep the vaccine viable. These reactions are almost always temporary.

CDC Data Shows COVID-19 Vaccines Are Safe for Pregnant People

No current data suggests that COVID-19 vaccines are different from other vaccines in terms of long-term impact. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) advises all women who are pregnant or may become pregnant to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible. Dr. Saadat agrees with this advice, and he believes vaccines are the most effective way to prevent a severe and potentially deadly infection.

The CDC has run several studies on the existing COVID-19 vaccines and how they affect pregnant women. No link has been found between COVID-19 vaccines and any medical concerns for pregnant women or babies.

Vaccines are considered safe for women who are pregnant or nursing.

For more information, read the full CDC statement on the COVID-19 vaccine for pregnant people.

Risks of Getting the COVID-19 Virus While Pregnant

COVID-19 increases the risk of several complications during pregnancy (in addition to the risks it poses to the general population). 

Preterm Birth

The CDC reports that COVID-19 infections can cause preterm births that may endanger both the mother and child. Preterm births can lead to various neonatal complications. 

High Blood Pressure

COVID-19 may also cause complications for mothers. Scientific studies on COVID-19 and pregnancy have linked getting the COVID-19 virus during pregnancy to several other health concerns, including increased rates of pregnancy-induced high blood pressure.

The COVID-19 Vaccine Can Reduce These Risks

The best way to avoid the risks brought on by COVID-19 is to get vaccinated. Vaccines are proven to reduce the chance of infection and vastly reduce the risk of serious complications if an infection does occur. 

If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, staying healthy is essential for your safety and your baby’s. Prenatal screening can test your baby for certain conditions, but in this age of COVID-19, getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to ensure you stay healthy and strong throughout your pregnancy.

Contact Reproductive Fertility Today to Get Your COVID-19 Questions Answered

If you want to learn more about COVID-19 and its impact on pregnancy and giving birth, please call our office at (310) 881-8846 to schedule an appointment.

If you're having trouble conceiving, Dr. Saadat also offers fertility testing and treatments. These are designed to diagnose and treat the causes of infertility. 

contact us

Start your Journey with a Southern California Fertility Specialist

To better service our patients, we have several locations in West Hollywood, Riverside, and Glendora. We also offer private transportation arrangements to in-home care, and nearly everything in-between. Concierge Services will take care of many of the details for you.