COVID-19 vaccines: What pregnant women need to know
Learn about the COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy.
March 30, 2021
Advice from Baron Atkins, MD, USMD ob/gyn
Along with many things, COVID-19 has changed the way women go through pregnancy and delivery.
Our clinics used to welcome families, spouses and significant others. Now we can only let one person in the delivery room and our clinics don't let patients have visitors.
I know it's hard to not share this special time with loved ones. But it’s a safety step we have to take right now. Health experts agree that the best, fastest and safest way to improve things is by giving everyone a COVID-19 vaccine.
In Texas, pregnant women have special priority status: 1B. This means they are among the individuals who should get the shot first.
While most young, healthy women who get COVID-19 survive, pregnancy changes things. This same woman, who's now pregnant, has a higher chance of getting sick from COVID-19. She also has a higher chance of being in the hospital or ICU, and of dying from COVID-19.
Of course, getting any kind of shot is up to you. Many of my patients have had the COVID-19 vaccine; while others have not. As of now, its safety has not yet been well studied in pregnancy.
Still, it’s important to know that most vaccines are safe while you're pregnant.
The vaccines you should not get, such as those for chicken pox and measles, are made of weakened or inactive viruses. That's why we tell you not to get them while pregnant. The COVID-19 vaccine does not contain a weakened or inactive virus.
How to get the COVID-19 vaccine
Pregnant women can’t get a COVID-19 vaccine at their doctor’s office. They have to go through the county health department.
Women living in Denton, Collin, Tarrant and Dallas counties can sign up online with their county’s health department. Once you sign up, you will get a message with the day and time of your visit.
Right now, the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are being given. Both are considered good. You don’t get to choose which vaccine you get. It depends on available supplies.
You need two doses of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, several weeks apart. Both should be from the same drug maker.
The vaccine won’t cause you to test positive for COVID-19 with a nasal swab test. But it might cause you to test positive if you have a blood test that tells you if have the cells that fight the infection.
If you're pregnant and get the vaccine, you should still stay 6 feet apart from others, wash your hands often and stay away from people and places that may be infected.
Questions?
Dr. Atkins is here to help. Learn more about this provider or call 1-817-277-7133 to schedule a visit.
Publish date: February 24, 2021
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for professional health care. You should consult an appropriate health care professional for your specific needs.