Moms and Dads
Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine While Pregnant
Wondering if the COVID-19 vaccine is safe for pregnant women? Here’s my experience getting vaccinated while 12 weeks pregnant!
Last August, the Department of Health announced that pregnant women are included in the A3 priority group for COVID-19 vaccination. However, prior to their announcement, I already completed my two doses in July. This was all thanks to the support of my OB-Gyne and our barangay. At 12 weeks pregnant, I got my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and at 15 weeks, the second dose.
Did I have any concerns about getting the COVID-19 vaccine?
When I initially discussed it with my OB-Gyne, she said that she would only clear me to get the vaccine during my first trimester if the brand was Pfizer. If it was any other brand, she advised me to wait until I was at least 20 weeks.
I also spoke to a good friend who works as a licensed pharmacist in the United States. According to her, she already knew of several pregnant women who got administered either Pfizer or Moderna, which are mRNA vaccines. Studies have shown that the mRNA vaccines have not been found to affect fertility or pregnancy in animals. And though no human trials have been made just yet, most vaccines are generally safe for pregnant women.
What vaccine did I get and were there any side effects?
My husband and I originally pre-ordered Moderna vaccines even though I’d have to wait until I was 20 weeks, as advised by my doctor. But we agreed that if by some chance, Pfizer would be available, I would get the vaccine already.
Luckily, our local government unit allocated Pfizer vaccines to our barangay. And because I was pregnant, they prioritized me! Even my sister-in-law, who was 20 weeks pregnant at that time, got the vaccine as well.
Like most people, I only suffered from a sore arm for a couple of days. I was fortunate enough not to get a fever nor chills. The following day, I was able to do my usual routine. Three weeks later, I got my second dose and again, I didn’t experience any side effects.
How’s my baby after getting the COVID vaccine while pregnant?
It’s been four months since I got my second dose and I’m already entering 33 weeks. Since then, I’ve gotten a couple of ultrasound tests, including a congenital anomaly scan. So far, all is well and my baby is healthy! Meanwhile, my sister-in-law just gave birth a couple of weeks ago to a healthy baby girl.
Praying that my baby develops antibodies
In a Facebook post by Effingham Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates, they delivered a baby boy whose mom received the COVID vaccine early in her pregnancy. Though the vaccine does not cross the placenta, he developed antibodies to help him fight the virus! I hope and pray that the same thing happens to my baby girl since I also got the vaccine while pregnant. If you’re pregnant and unsure about getting the COVID vaccine, I highly recommend talking to your doctor.
Pregnant and looking for more stories? Check out the ones below:
3 Celebrity Parents Who Kept Their Pregnancies Away from the Public
Stretch Marks in Pregnancy: How to Help Lessen Them
8 Stylish Maternity Dresses You Can Order Online
