Covid vaccine for pregnant women: everything you need to know

 

Covid vaccine for pregnant women: everything you need to know

The Covid epidemic is putting a tremendous strain on the healthcare system. Vaccination against the virus reduces the likelihood of infection, as well as the intensity, long-term effects, and transmission to other people. The government has allowed the immunisation of pregnant women in a new guideline.

According to specialists, this is a very progressive step because it will influence 50 million people in India. Everyone needs protection from the rapidly spreading Covid-19 diseases, and vaccine appears to be the best and long-term solution. All expectant mothers can now be protected against Covid-19.

Vaccinating pregnant women appears to have many more benefits than any speculative or remote risk of vaccination.

 

Manjiri Mehta, Consultant Gynecologist and Obstetrician, Hiranandani Hospital Vashi, and Sonal Kumta, Senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Fortis Hospital Mulund, highlight a few things pregnant women should know about vaccination.

 

THE IMPORTANCE OF VACCINATING PREGNANT WOMEN

To begin, it's vital to understand that pregnancy has no effect on the chance of contracting Covid-19. The majority of pregnant women will be asymptomatic or have a moderate condition, but their health may rapidly deteriorate, posing a risk to the foetus. It's also critical that people take all possible steps to avoid becoming infected, which includes getting vaccinated against Covid-19. As a result, it is recommended that a pregnant woman receive the vaccine.

 

IMPACT OF COvid-19 ON PREGNANT WOMEN

Although the majority of infected pregnant women (>90%) recover without the need for hospitalisation, a few may have fast health deterioration. Pregnant women who are symptomatic appear to have a higher risk of serious illness and death. Pregnant women, like any other patients, will require hospitalisation if they get a serious illness. Furthermore, pregnant women with underlying medical issues, such as high blood pressure, obesity, or a maternal age of more than 35 years, are at a higher risk.

 

PREGNANT WOMEN WITH COVID INFECTION WHO HAVE RECOVERED

Vaccination is available to pregnant women who have recovered from Covid-19. Vaccination should be delayed for 12 weeks after infection or 8 weeks after recovery in such people.

 

THE VACCINES' SIDE EFFECTS

The Covid-19 vaccines that are now available are safe, and vaccination protects pregnant women from illness/disease in the same way as it protects other people. A vaccine, like any other treatment, can cause adverse effects, which are usually minor. She may experience a minor temperature, discomfort at the injection site, or feeling sick for 1-3 days after receiving the vaccine shot.

 

If you're unsure whether or not to have the Covid-19 vaccine while you're pregnant, consider the following:

* How likely are you to be exposed to Covid-19?

* The dangers of serious disease

* Vaccination's well-known advantages

*The expanding body of evidence on the safety of vaccines during pregnancy.

 

PREGNANT WOMEN'S VACCINE REGISTRATION

Pregnant women must either register on the CoWIN portal or register on-site at the Covid-19 vaccination centre. The registration process for pregnant women is the same as it is for the general public, and it follows the MoHFW's most recent recommendations. It is critical to arrange for on-site consultations with gynaecologists, particularly for individuals who are not registered for antenatal (pre-delivery) care. A record of vaccinated pregnant women should also be kept for long-term monitoring and data collection.

 

ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN

* Put on two masks.

* Wash your hands frequently.

* Keep a safe physical distance from others and avoid congested areas.

 

Please note that if a pregnant woman has already received Covid-19, she should get immunised as soon as possible after giving birth. Also, talk to your doctor about any concerns you have. Also, would-be parents can acquire the Covid-19 vaccine whether they are attempting to get pregnant now or in the future. There is currently no proof that any vaccines, including the Covid-19 immunizations, cause female or male fertility issues. Most significantly, immunisation does not cause Covid-19 infection!