The Best Time for COVID-19 Vaccination During Your Pregnancy

Vaccines continue to be one of the best defenses you can use to protect yourself, your family, and others against the spread of COVID-19. If you are not yet vaccinated, it’s not too late to, even if you are pregnant or looking to become pregnant. In fact, COVID-19 vaccination during your pregnancy has been found to help keep your baby safe from the virus. A common question from patients who are considering vaccination and successfully pregnant is “When is the best time for COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy?”

For the last year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recommended that pregnant people get vaccinated. Though a recent study found that the level of antibodies tended to be slightly higher in those who received their booster dose in the third trimester, they were able to conclude that, in general, there’s no bad time to get vaccinated or boosted during your pregnancy.

Regardless of when you are vaccinated, the antibodies present in the pregnant individual’s blood will be passed to the baby through the umbilical cord blood, according to the study. Another recent study found that those who are breastfeeding and are vaccinated are able to pass along some protection to their child.

COVID-19 Vaccinations and Fertility

Research shows that the COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy does not increase the risk of miscarriage. Vaccines don’t impact male or female fertility or fertility treatment outcomes. Additionally, vaccinated pregnant people are less likely to catch COVID-19 than those who are not vaccinated.

The CDC reports that, compared to non-pregnant people, pregnant people who aren’t vaccinated experience much more severe illness from COVID-19, which can lead to hospitalization. Pregnant people with COVID-19 are at increased risk for preterm birth and may also be at heightened risk for other poor pregnancy outcomes.

If you have not been vaccinated yet, we recommend you make an appointment to do so as soon as possible–even if you were COVID-19 positive in the past.

What to Do if You Test Positive for COVID-19 While Pregnant

If you test positive for COVID-19 while pregnant, one of the first things you should do is contact your OBGYN or healthcare provider to see what guidance they may have for you. This will most likely include recommendations such as getting plenty of fluids, resting, and approved over-the-counter medications to reduce fever, relieve pain, or lessen coughing.

To prevent any further spread, you should also:

• Stay home unless you are getting medical care. Should you need to leave the house, avoid public transportation.
• Prior to your appointment, call your health care team so they can take the proper precautions. However, you should seek medical care right away if you feel worse or think it’s an emergency.
• Separate yourself from other people in your home as much as possible.
• Wear a face mask if you have to leave your house.

Contact Us

We are committed to continue care for our patients and remain focused, as always, on providing you with individual care that centers on you. If you have more questions like “Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy?” or vaccines and fertility, please contact us for an initial consultation. We are here to help.