Pregnant and Going to Get COVID Vaccine? Here’s 10 Things to Keep in Mind

If you are pregnant or planning to start a family, you may be wondering if you should get vaccinated against the COVID virus. The good news is that the vaccine is completely safe for pregnant women and the baby, and als reduces the risk of severe infection. 

You can now take the COVID vaccine during pregnancy in India. However, you should discuss the COVID vaccination with your care partner before taking the shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) includes pregnant women in the high-risk group for COVID virus infection, making the preventive vaccination important. 

The CDC recommends that women who are pregnant get a booster dose of the vaccine. Not only does this provide additional immunity, but it also protects the baby. They recently published new data on the COVID vaccination, which shows that getting a COVID-19 vaccine while pregnant is a good idea.

Researchers have collected an abundant amount of data on the safety and efficacy of COVID vaccination during pregnancy. Unlike the flu vaccine, a COVID vaccination is safe for pregnant women and the baby.

However, if you are pregnant and planning to get the COVID vaccine, there are certain things you need to keep in mind. It will help you to prepare for the vaccine as well as avoid any complications. 

Are Pregnant Women Eligible for COVID Vaccine?

Yes, and they should. There have been many controversies related to COVID vaccines, especially when it comes to pregnant women. While some researchers suggest that pregnant women should avoid taking the vaccine, others are in favour of vaccination, to lower the risk of infection.

However, as per recent studies, it is proven that vaccines are actually safe for pregnant women. Expecting women should discuss vaccination with their doctor. A doctor should only administer the vaccine to pregnant women who are healthy.

A woman should discuss this matter with her obstetrician and discuss the risks associated with COVID vaccination and breastfeeding. The vaccine may be beneficial to the baby. When a woman gets the vaccine, she triggers the production of antibodies against the COVID-19 virus. 

These antibodies help protect the mother and child from the disease. Since COVID-19 has become more common in young children, physicians are recommending vaccination for pregnant women and those who are recently pregnant. 

10 Things to Keep In Mind If You Are Pregnant and Taking COVID Vaccine

While pregnancy is an exciting time, the pressure of making the right decisions can dampen the excitement. Choosing whether or not to get the COVID-19 vaccination can add yet another layer of stress and worry. While the COVID vaccine in pregnancy is safe to take and often encouraged by doctors, many women are averse. However, you can reduce the stress and anxiety of taking the vaccine by keeping these ten things in mind. It will not only help you to prepare for taking the COVID vaccine but ensure a smooth recovery. 

• Discuss Vaccine With Your Gynaecologist 

If you are pregnant, you should inform your obstetrician-gynaecologist before taking the vaccine. Discuss the risks of this vaccination with her. While COVID-19 vaccination has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there is still much uncertainty about its safety in pregnancy. So to avoid any problems and complications, you need to first discuss vaccination with your doctor. A certified obstetrician will recommend the best time to take the vaccine and help you to ease all your worries. As per the time recommended by the doctor, you can book the vaccination slot accordingly. You should know that the Covid vaccine is safe for women during pregnancy and that it reduces the risk of serious infection. However, it is important to notify your gynaecologist if you are expecting so that they can prescribe you the right dosage. 

• Prepare A Day Before Vaccination

If you are pregnant and planning to take the COVID vaccine, you should start preparing a day before. You should drink plenty of water and eat a light meal the night before the scheduled vaccination. You should also monitor the movements of your fetus. If you feel any change, you should see your healthcare provider. It is important to stay hydrated while receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. A good way to stay hydrated is to carry a water bottle with you. It is also advisable to eat a light meal after taking the vaccine. You should also get 8 hours of sleep before taking the vaccine. Make sure you are comfortable before you head to your appointment. Be sure to eat and normally drink a day before the appointment. 

• Wear Comfortable and Loose Clothes

You should wear loose clothes when going for COVID vaccination. The vaccine site will be a part of the upper arm. It is advisable to wear loose clothing to maintain your comfort. If you are pregnant and taking the COVID vaccine, wear loose and comfortable clothes. Make sure that you are able to pull the sleeves near your arm. This way, the doctor will be able to easily administer the COVID vaccine. If you have an ID, make sure to bring it with you.

• Inform Authorities About Allergies 

If you are pregnant and planning to take the COVID-19 vaccine, you should inform your healthcare provider about any allergies you may have. The adenovirus vector or mRNA form of this vaccine is available for those who are allergic to adenoviruses. If you have severe allergies to any prior vaccine, you should consider consulting with a board-certified allergist before taking the vaccine. When it comes to pregnancy and vaccines, it is important to inform your healthcare provider about any allergies you may have, including any underlying health conditions. COVID vaccine is given via injection, and some people may have severe reactions to the vaccine. If you have an allergic reaction to the vaccine, you should seek medical care immediately. 

• Follow COVID Protocols

While you are expecting, it’s important to understand the protocols for the COVID vaccine. Make sure you book a vaccination slot online and go to the centre 10 minutes before the slot time. When you visit the centre, follow all the necessary COVID protocols to stay safe. You need to practice social distancing and sit away from other people. Apart from that, you need to sanitize your hands frequently. Most importantly, you need to wear a proper mask to cover your mouth and nose. Don’t touch the mask with your hands, and stay safe. Pregnant women are at increased risk of severe illness if they get COVID-19 during their pregnancy. So, make sure you follow the rules properly. 

• Take Paracetamol If You Have Mild Symptoms

COVID-19 vaccinations are given to pregnant women after the doctor’s advice at the recommended doses. While the risks of the vaccination are minimal, they are higher for women who are pregnant. After taking the vaccination, if you develop any symptoms, you can take paracetamol. However, make sure you consult your gynaecologist before you take any medicine. You should take paracetamol if you have mild cold symptoms. However, if you experience severe symptoms, you should seek medical attention. 

• Apply Heat Pack on Sore Arm

If you are pregnant and taking the COVID vaccine, you may experience some temporary pain. This is a normal response when a foreign body enters the body. You can minimize the pain by applying a heat pack to the affected arm or applying ice. A cold compress may also be helpful. Natural pain relievers may be less likely to cause an adverse reaction. Applying heat to the affected area or an ice pack. A heat pack may help reduce any pain or swelling, and it may help to move your arm, which can alleviate the soreness. 

• Take Necessary Supplements

After taking the COVID vaccine, you need to continue taking necessary supplements to recover quickly. You need to take calcium, iron, vitamin C, vitamin D and vitamin E supplements. Iron is essential during pregnancy. Your body uses iron to make haemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and organs. Because you produce more blood during pregnancy, your iron needs double. Iron supplements should be taken on an empty stomach or at least one to two hours before your meal. If you are pregnant, take iron and calcium supplements as directed by your healthcare provider. 

• Rest All Day 

If you are pregnant, you must rest all day after taking the COVID vaccine. There is a risk of serious reactions after the vaccination. So, you need to rest and recover as soon as possible. After you take the vaccine, make sure you eat healthy food and rest all day. It will help you to gain back your strength and recover quickly. Make sure you don’t work or tire yourself out. It is best to lie down or take a nap. 

• Seek Medical Attention If Symptoms Becomes Worse

If you are experiencing any severe symptoms after taking the COVID vaccine, contact your doctor immediately. These symptoms usually occur within 15 to 30 minutes of the vaccination. You should remain in the vaccination centre for at least 15 minutes after the vaccine. If your symptoms worsen, contact your doctor immediately. In severe cases, you may experience difficulty breathing, wheezing, a rapid heartbeat, or even collapse. Typically, vaccine side effects are mild and subside within 24 hours. Those who experience severe side effects should contact their healthcare provider. 

Conclusion

COVID vaccine in pregnancy is safe and should be administered in order to keep the mother as well as the baby healthy. If you are pregnant and going to get the COVID vaccine, there are certain things you need to keep in mind to make the process smooth. Make sure you discuss this with your gynecologist and stay hydrated before taking the vaccine. Once you take the jab, it is best to rest and take paracetamol to deal with mild symptoms. It will help you to recover soon and avoid any complications.