COVID-19 vaccine for pregnancy and breastfeeding

COVID-19 has caused so many troubles to the world, from economic impact, more than four million death, quality of education, decreased income, isolation, stress, etc. Vaccination was the promising news that most of the country was waiting for. However, some groups, such as pregnant women, are worried about the side effects of vaccination.

The article explains health authorities’ opinions on whether pregnant women should receive COVID-19 vaccines or not, the side effects, how to reduce the severity, and answers few common questions along the way.

Are COVID-19 vaccines safe for pregnant women?

According to CDC, COVID-19 vaccines are safe for everyone who is above 12 years old. The recommendations also include the women who are:

• Pregnant
• Breastfeeding
• Trying to get pregnant now
• Might become pregnant in the future

The data indicate that the effectiveness of the vaccine for pregnant women is increasing. They state that the advantages of the vaccines are by far more than the potential risks.

You need to know that there is no data that the COVID-19 vaccine or any other vaccine has the ability to cause fertility issues in women or men. However, the studies say that pregnant women are at higher risk of getting seriously sick with the COVID-19 than non-pregnant people.

CDC mentions that none of the current available COVID-19 vaccines contain the live Coronavirus. So the vaccine can not make you sick, and it includes pregnant women and their babies.

The data on the safety of the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech is reassuring.

A study conducted in Israel indicates that the pregnant women who received the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine faced a lower risk of infection than those who did not.

 

Vacciens and proetcion of babeis

A study on the effects of vaccines on pregnant women was published September 22 in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology—Maternal-Fetal Medicine. The study indicates that “women who got the Pfizer–BioNTech and Moderna mRNA COVID-19 vaccines passed the antibodies to their babies”.

The researchers state that the effectiveness of the mentioned vaccines is due to producing the right antibodies. Also, they make blood proteins that can protect people from infection”.

The study also uncovered that 100 percent of the infants had protective antibodies at birth, according to NYU Langone Health.

The CDC mentions that only 23% of pregnant women have been vaccinated despite the growing evidence that vaccination is effective. Further research is needed so the health experts can determine how effective the vaccines are for pregnant women. At the moment, they are safe.

 

Possible side effects of COVID-19 vaccine

The COVID-19 vaccine is followed by a few side effects, which are normal signs that your body is producing protection against the virus. The side effects could prevent you from doing daily tasks, but they will disappear after a few days. Also, some people could experience no side effects.

Remember that severe side effects that last for the long term are unlikely. It’s true with the COVID-19 as well.

The studies of vaccines indicate that the side effects appear up to six weeks after the date the person receives the vaccine. This is the reason that FDA authorized that COVID-19 vaccines must be studied for two months after trial recipients got the final dose.

 

Common side effects are as follows:

On your arm when got the shot

• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling

 

After you receive the vaccine

• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Chills
• Fever
• Nausea

 

How to relieve the side effects of COVID-19 vaccines?

The following tips can help you to reduce the severity of the COVID-19 vaccine side effects:

 

Rest as much as you can

You would better rest on the night to receive the vaccine and after receiving the shots. You would better get a good night’s sleep. If you can take one or two days off from work, do it. Getting enough sleep helps you relive the side effects sooner. It is particularly true with the second dose that side effects are severe, which is normal.

 

Drink enough water

You should try to drink 16 to 32 ounces of water the first and second day you receive the vaccine. To be able to drink that amount, water bottles can be helpful. Also, putting them somewhere you can see will give you a good incentive to drink more water. The science of habit proves it as well. If the taste of tap water is not much of a tasty choice, consider bottled water such as spring, alkaline, or purified water.

You can also add natural flavors like fruit, vegetables, and herbs to the water to enjoy it and drink more water.

 

Put ice on your arm

An icepack or cold compress could help if your arm is sore or swells. It can prevent further ache or swelling. You could use two packs of ice and replace them quickly to get the results.

 

Stay physically active

If you can, get engaged in the form of light physical activity and exercise. Walking could be a good idea, and you can stop when you feel you can’t. But remember that you are not going to practice for the Olympic games. You should also try to move your arm regularly to relieve pain or soreness. It is also recommended for flu shots.

 

Pain reliever medicine

You don’t need to take any fever or pain medicine before taking the vaccine. However, after taking the shot, you can use some pain relievers to reduce the severity of side effects:

• Aspirin
• Ibuprofen
• Acetaminophen

Bear in mind that you need to consult with your physician before taking the pain relievers. He/she might not find this particular pain reliever appropriate for you.

 

Strenuous physical activity

As explained, light physical activity is good after vaccination. However, you would better avoid severe ones and take them a bit easy. It could make your immune system weak, but you should strengthen it at the moment.

 

Side effects stronger with the second dose

There have been so many reports that the side effects are stronger with the second dose; people might assume they have been infected with the COVID-19. However, that is not true because you can not get the virus from the vaccine.

There is another reason behind the fact that you might have severe side effects compared with the first dose. The serious side effects after the second dose are the normal reactions of your body. Through the first dose, your body learns how to react to the virus. By the second dose, your body is reacting as it should do to the virus.

 

COVID-19 symptoms vs. vaccination side effects

Remember not to mistake the signs of COVID-19, not with the vaccination side effects. The following ones are not among the vaccination side effects:

• New loss of smell or taste
• Cough or shortness of breath
• Congestion
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Conjunctivitis (red eye)
• Nausea/vomiting or diarrhea.

 

What if you get infected with the COVID-19 after the first dosage?

Suppose you experienced the mentioned symptoms of the COVID-19 and your test result was positive between the first taken and second dose of COVID-19 vaccines. In that case, you need to wait for ten days from the date you tested positive and get completely recovered, then get the second dose. However, bear in mind that you need to get the second dose as well, and you shouldn’t skip it.

 

What to do after vaccination?

Receiving the second dose doesn’t guarantee that you are 100% safe against the COVID-19. You still need to practice self-hygiene, wear the facial mask and keep the social distance as much as possible. Get around with care and practicing the safety instructions.

 

COVID-19 vaccine in Las Vegas

The statistics indicate that the vaccination is effective at keeping you from getting COVID-19. They will also help keep you from getting seriously ill even if you do get COVID-19.

The article explained that CDC states that vaccines are safe for pregnant women, and in fact, mothers pass immunity to the unborn child.

As explained, there could be side effects after receiving the vaccines, and they are normal. You might need help in taking care of yourself, your loved pens or the mothers expecting. If so, Health and Care Professional Network is ready to provide a different range of in-home care services in Las Vegas. We have provided the best of caring services to the residents since 2006.

Give us a call at (702) 871-9917 to receive the type of assistance you need at your own home. Our caregivers are trained well to take the best of care from you and your loved ones.