Pregnant women and vaccination against Covid: what about it?
Recommended for pregnant women from the first trimester of pregnancy, the vaccine against the Coronavirus Covid-19 still raises questions. Is there a risk for pregnancy? Does the vaccine endanger the health of the unborn baby? The authorities want to be reassuring, but what is the situation at present? Find out what you need to know about the Covid vaccine for pregnant women.
Daylily Paris is a brand of clean, sensorial and effective skincare products, made in France and 100% compatible with pregnancy and breastfeeding. We're also committed to sharing quality information for an enlightened and relaxed maternity. 🧡
- What are the effects of the Covid vaccine for pregnant women?
- What do the studies on the vaccine for pregnant women highlight?
- What can be the side effects of the Covid vaccine in pregnant women?
- Covid vaccine in pregnant women: what contraindications?
- What are the effects of the Covid vaccine for infants?
What are the effects of the Covid vaccine for pregnant women?
While in January 2021, the WHO recommended against vaccination for pregnant women, except for those who were most at risk of developing severe forms of Covid-19, it is now strongly recommended by public health authorities, in particular. France and around the world. In France, since April 2021, pregnant women have been able to access mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna). Following an opinion from the Ministry of Health made public by Olivier Véran, Minister of Solidarity and Health on July 21, 2021, the Covid-19 vaccine is now recommended for pregnant women from the 1st trimester of pregnancy.
According to several studies carried out on pregnant women with Covid-19, the risk of developing serious forms of the disease and ending up in intensive care is higher than in non-pregnant women. This risk of serious form is also higher with the Delta variant of the virus. A study published last April and carried out among 2,130 pregnant women showed that pregnant women infected with the virus are more likely to suffer from preeclampsia, be admitted to intensive care or die from the disease. This study specifies that these risks increase when the patient presents comorbidities (obesity, diabetes, hypertension, etc.), and that Covid is diagnosed in the pregnant mother-to-be in the 3rd trimester.
What do the studies on the vaccine for pregnant women highlight?
Should you be vaccinated during and after pregnancy? For many future mothers, this question arises and causes concern regarding the possible repercussions on the progress of their pregnancy and on the health of the fetus.
The National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) assures that “to date, the data does not highlight any danger for the future mother and the future child ”. In accordance with the recommendations of the ANSM, the High Authority of Health (HAS) recommends favoring messenger RNA vaccines for future mothers, for which animal tests have not shown any consequences on the development of the fetus or Increased risk of miscarriage.
However, there are no long-term studies given the recent nature of this vaccine. The choice is up to each person to make the decision to be vaccinated or not. If in doubt, do not hesitate to speak to your doctor or pharmacist and make your own benefit/risk balance to make your decision.
To date, there is no data highlighting the dangers of vaccination for pregnant women. However, studies concerning long-term risks are still lacking due to lack of necessary perspective. Severe symptoms of Covid-19 can be dangerous for pregnancy. Each pregnancy is unique, and each pregnant woman assesses her own benefit/risk balance . The decision to be vaccinated or not is personal. This choice is individual and must be respected. If in doubt, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
What can be the side effects of the Covid vaccine in pregnant women?
The Covid-19 vaccine response in pregnant women is generally the same as that seen in most individuals. As with any vaccination, against Covid or not, side effects may appear , even if serious problems remain rare. According to a pharmacovigilance survey on the adverse effects of Covid19 vaccines in pregnant and breastfeeding women published by the ANSM, serious but very rare cases of pulmonary embolism, venous thrombosis, tachycardia and high blood pressure could be identified.
Side effects of vaccines occur in the first two weeks, exceptionally the first month. These are mainly headaches, fatigue and muscle pain. The days following vaccination, particularly after the second dose, the mother-to-be is advised to take the opportunity to rest . Why not take the opportunity to take time for yourself.
Covid vaccine in pregnant women: what contraindications?
It is recommended to discuss vaccination with your gynecologist. Considering pregnancy as “a risk factor for serious illness in the event of SARS-CoV-2 infection”, the National Academy of Medicine recommends “vaccinating all pregnant women who are professionally or household exposed”. Regarding vaccination and breastfeeding , the HAS indicates that “based on the rapid degradation of mRNA, there is no expected effect in infants breastfed by a vaccinated person”. Several studies reveal that, on the other hand, the virus is likely to damage the placenta. This research has highlighted abnormalities that could harm blood circulation between the mother and the fetus.
What are the effects of the Covid vaccine for infants?
The health of the infant is one of the major concerns of future mothers. For many, it is essential to ensure that the fetus does not fear anything, and that on the contrary, vaccination will be favorable to it. On this point too, the French authorities also want to be reassuring. mRNA vaccines create an immune response and induce the production of maternal antibodies. These pass through the nta place from the 2nd trimester and are also found in breast milk. However, we do not yet know the degree of protection.
Whether or not to be vaccinated during pregnancy remains above all a personal choice. If you feel the need, do not hesitate to speak to your doctor in order to obtain all the answers to your questions so that you can make this informed choice.
Bibliography:
Vaccination strategy against Covid-19 , High Authority of Health, validated by the College, updated on February 18, 2021.
Is vaccination dangerous for pregnant women, really? INSERM, June 17, 2021.
Vaccination Strategy Orientation Council Opinion of April 6, 2021: Broadening priorities for access to anti-Covid-19 vaccination , updated May 7, 2021.
Maternal and Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality Among Pregnant Women With and Without COVID-19 Infection , JAMA Pediatr., April 22, 2021.
COVID-19 - Vaccines and pregnant women , National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products, updated October 22, 2021.
Pharmacovigilance investigation into the adverse effects of Covid19 vaccines in pregnant and breastfeeding women , National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products, report n.4, December 27, 2020 to July 22, 2021.
Should pregnant women be vaccinated against Covid-19? Press release from the National Academy of Medicine, March 2, 2021.
Assessment of Maternal and Neonatal Cord Blood SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies and Placental Transfer Ratios , JAMA Pediatr., January 29, 2021.
Maternal respiratory SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy is associated with a robust inflammatory response at the maternal-fetal interface , Yale University, May 14, 2021.
Photo credit: Pinterest, Hollie Santos & Mart Production
