The conversation around pregnancy and the Covid-19 vaccine shot is buzzing in the world of maternal and infant healthcare.
A fresh study published in the prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) throws a spotlight on how a mum-to-be’s mRNA Covid-19 vaccination can be a game changer for newborns.
This research, which dove into data from over 142,000 live births in Ontario, Canada, highlights the remarkable benefits linked to receiving at least one mRNA vaccine dose while expecting. Here’s the big reveal: Babies born to vaccinated moms saw a 14% drop in severe health complications, an impressive 78% plunge in the risk of death, and a 15% less chance of needing intensive care during their first month of life.
This compelling evidence underscores the critical role of the pregnancy Covid-19 shot in safeguarding both maternal and neonatal well-being.
Source: SingHealth
Finding Support in Large-Scale Research for Pregnancy Covid-19 Shot
The study, conducted in Ontario, Canada, provides solid evidence of the benefits associated with receiving the Covid-19 vaccine during pregnancy. The research followed infants until the age of six months, revealing no adverse effects from the vaccine.
This positive outcome bolsters the doctors’ strong encouragement for pregnant women to consider getting the Covid-19 vaccine.
Source: Reuters
Pregnancy Covid-19 Shot: Protecting Mothers and Babies
Medical professionals in Singapore fully support the vaccination of pregnant women against Covid-19. Dr. Pamela Partana from Singapore General Hospital’s Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology explains that pregnant women who contract Covid-19 tend to fare worse than non-pregnant individuals due to changes in immunity during pregnancy. Unvaccinated pregnant women with Covid-19 are more likely to require hospitalization, while those who have been vaccinated can be cared for at home.
Posing Risks During Pregnancy
Dr. Serene Thain, a consultant in Maternal Fetal Medicine at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, emphasizes that pregnant women face an increased risk of severe disease if they become infected with Covid-19. The physiological changes that occur during pregnancy, such as increased heart rate, reduced lung capacity, and an elevated risk of venous thromboembolism, contribute to this higher risk.
Dr. Thain warns that venous thromboembolism can be potentially life-threatening as it can lead to blood clots in the lungs.
Pregnancy Covid-19 Shot: Protecting Babies Through Antibody Transfer
Covid-19 vaccines generate antibody production in pregnant women, which can be passed on to their babies. This transfer of antibodies reduces the likelihood of Covid-19-related hospitalization and serious complications in infants aged six months or younger.
Dr. Yung Chee Fu, a senior pediatric infectious diseases consultant at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, adds that vaccination not only protects pregnant women against severe disease but also against poor delivery outcomes.
Benefits Outweigh the Risks
Dr. Low Jia Ming of the Khoo Teck Puat – National University Children’s Medical Institute highlights that scientific evidence overwhelmingly supports the benefits of receiving the Covid-19 vaccine during pregnancy. With almost 90% of people in Singapore having received at least one dose of the vaccine, the vast majority of pregnant women are choosing to protect themselves and their unborn children.
Importance of Additional Vaccines
In addition to the Covid-19 vaccine, experts recommend that pregnant women also receive the Tdap shot, as well as vaccines against influenza and the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The Tdap vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough), while the influenza vaccine helps protect against the flu.
Currently, Singapore does not recommend the RSV vaccine during pregnancy. However, early clinical trials indicate promising results in preventing severe and life-threatening RSV infections in newborns.
Prioritizing the Health of Mothers and Babies
Receiving the Covid-19 vaccine significantly reduces the risks for both mothers and their babies, as seen in the study conducted in Ontario, Canada.
Worldwide medical professionals encourage pregnant women to get vaccinated against Covid-19 and other recommended vaccines to protect themselves and their unborn children. The importance of vaccination during pregnancy is undeniable.
By taking these precautions, we can ensure the health and well-being of mothers and their little ones.
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