Mums and soon-to-be mums do not need to worry about childbirth. The latest study says that COVID-19 vaccination does not increase complications for a pregnant woman.
In this article, you’ll read:
- The COVID-19 vaccine does not increase complications for pregnant women
- COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant women in Singapore
COVID-19 vaccine does not increase complications for pregnant women
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The soon-to-be mums no longer have to worry about the possible increase in complications of your childbirth due to the COVID-19 vaccine. A recent study shows that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy does not increase complications during delivery.
Dr Deshayne Fell, an epidemiologist and associate professor at the University of Ottawa, led the study. The study of Ontario pregnancies provides further evidence on COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy.
The study analysed 100,000 pregnancies
Researchers have studied nearly 100,000 pregnancies by analysing data from BORN Ontario, Ontario’s provincial birth registry. The study was linked to the province immunisation database.
Dr Fell and his fellow researchers conducted the childbirth analysation from December 2020 to December 2021. They have found that approximately 23% or over 22,000 women received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine while pregnant.
Upon careful investigation, they have seen no increase in the babies’ need for neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. There’s no frequency of low Apgar scores in babies born to vaccinated mums compared to babies born to unvaccinated mums. Apgar is an assessment at birth that can identify babies who may need special care.
Furthermore, researchers have found that vaccination was not associated with an increased risk of the following:
- Heavy bleeding after childbirth
- Infection in the uterus or membrane
- Emergency caesarean section among the vaccinated mums, compared to unvaccinated ones.
“There is increasing evidence from studies around the world showing that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy is not associated with poor pregnancy or birth outcomes,” said Dr Fell. “COVID-19 vaccines are effective at preventing COVID-19 in pregnant mothers and also in their babies in the first few months of life.”
Based on their findings, the researchers concluded that COVID-19 vaccination is safe for pregnant individuals. Vaccines are highly recommended for soon-to-be mums since they are at a higher risk of complications from the disease. Complications from COVID-19 might lead to hospitalisation, ICU admission and death.
COVID-19 vaccination for a pregnant woman in Singapore
Currently, the Singapore government is progressively rolling out their vaccination programme.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) also had a consultation with the Expert Committee on COVID-19. They announced that vaccines are safe for pregnant and breastfeeding mums.
The COVID-19 vaccine is available to all pregnant and breastfeeding women in Singapore. The multi-ministry task force (MTF) said that pregnant and breastfeeding mums could register and book vaccination appointments in a press briefing.
Advantages of getting vaccinated in pregnancy
There are a lot of benefits that a mum could get when they are vaccinated during pregnancy. It includes the following:
- Reduced risk of the COVID-19 infection
- Reduction in severe COVID-19 reactions if you contract COVID-19
- Reduction in stillbirth or premature birth if you acquire COVID-19
The COVID-19 vaccine does its job effectively in preventing the virus infection. When tested positive for COVID, the vaccine will help you reduce any critical and life-threatening complications.
However, keep in mind that there would be a possibility for you to experience severe COVID-19 conditions. It happens most especially if you have underlying health conditions.
The Expert Committee has examined these vaccinated individuals at different trimesters of pregnancy and their babies. At present, the is no evidence that COVID-19 vaccines may pose any harm to pregnant women or their babies.
Sing Health’s recommendation for COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy
Pregnant individuals can undergo the vaccination at any stage of their pregnancy; it could be in the first, second, or third trimester. Meanwhile, pregnant women who may be feeling sick in their first trimester should consult their doctor first before vaccination.
It is essential to consult your doctor first before taking the vaccination. Soon-to-be mums are encouraged to meet with their obstetrician prior to receiving their COVID-19 vaccine.
The pregnant woman and the doctor should have an informed discussion about the risks and benefits of the vaccine. It is because every individual has different health conditions, and your doctor knows what’s best for you.
Pregnant women can receive their COVID-19 vaccination at community vaccination facilities or selected public or private hospitals.
COVID-19 does not affect fertility
At present, there is no evidence that the COVID-19 vaccination adversely affects fertility. Couples who wish to get pregnant can proceed with the COVID-19 vaccination. They do not need to defer plans to start a family.
However, if you are getting vaccinated and want to get pregnant, you should consider delaying conception. The delay will last for a month only after completing your second vaccine dose.
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