It's taken a while but we are finally getting answers to several concerns about the after-effects of the Covid-19 vaccine. From older people to young adults, most vaccines the world over have been fuss-free, barring the occasional body ache and fever.
However, there were still concerns about the vaccine's effect on pregnant women or those trying to conceive. With the vaccination rolled out in record time, there simply wasn't enough data to collate and come to a conclusion.
Nevertheless, we've finally come to a point where the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Centres for Disease Control And Prevention (CDC) says it's safe to administer the vaccine to expecting mums.
So, mummies if you are in the pregnancy planning stage and sceptical of getting the coronavirus vaccine shot, you are not alone. There are reports of pregnant and lactating women being hesitant of taking the jab.
To ease your concerns, one Singapore mum explains why this should change among pregnant women on the island.
COVID Vaccine And Pregnancy Planning: S'pore Mum Recommends Expecting Women To Get The Jab
Sharing her experience in the TAP community, this user recommends pregnant mums to get their coronavirus vaccine.
The mum started by sharing that she earlier decided to get her dose after the baby was delivered. But she had a change of heart.
Explaining her decision, the mum says she personally feels that it is best to take the vaccine after the first trimester when the organs of the baby are fully developed. So, she went to take the jab in her second trimester. (Disclaimer: The views expressed are of the author.)
Why Pregnant Mums In Singapore Should Opt For The Vaccine
Here are some reasons why the user feels pregnant women should also consider taking the vaccine:
- As Singapore opens up, more cases will shoot up in the days to come. We might also notice a rise in unlinked transmission cases. It will put the unvaccinated people at great risk.
- Vaccinated people can also infect other people and it doesn't mean that they are 100 per cent immune to coronavirus. If your family members are vaccinated but have to work and travel outdoors, they can still carry the virus back home to you.
- In some cases, the vaccinated may not even show any symptoms of sickness and this is the worst. While you may think "I am safe in my home," someone you live with can still pass on the virus.
- Risk of COVID placenta: There is a risk of your placenta developing clots. It will stop nutrients and blood flow to your unborn. Your baby will likely die inside your womb. So, getting your covid jabs while you are pregnant will significantly reduce the risk.
- When you get the covid jabs, you pass on the antibodies to your unborn child via the placenta.
The mum concluded by saying that the risk of taking the vaccine outweighs the benefits of not taking the vaccine.
She summed it up precisely, "If we can’t even guarantee the life of the baby inside us, we can’t even talk about dealing with potential Covid jab side effects once the baby is born right?"
Do remember that pregnant women are at a higher risk of serious illness from the virus, which makes it necessary for them to get the shot at the earliest.
COVID Vaccine And Pregnancy Planning: Pregnant Women At Higher Risk Of Serious Illness From Covid-19
CDC cautions that pregnant women who contract coronavirus have a higher likelihood of hospitalisation. There is also an increased risk of death. Therefore, vaccination for this demography is extremely important.
Associate Professor Tan Lay Kok from KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH) while speaking to TODAY said that complications during pregnancy can lead to conditions that may even lead them to require invasive ventilation and admission into ICU.
There is also a huge risk of delivering premature babies, which further increases the risk of neonatal admission for intensive care, added Prof Tan.
Vaccines Allowed For Pregnant Women
From June 4, 2021, the CDC approved the vaccination for pregnant women and lactating mums. If you are expecting, you can choose from either Pfizer-BioNTech or a Moderna shot.
If you opt for the Pfizer vaccine, you need to take two doses three weeks apart. While Moderna users will need two doses four weeks apart. Even after you have received your jab, remember to follow all the precautions.
At a time, when Singapore is trying to limp back to normalcy, we can't afford to let our guards down.
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