Every woman aims to have a stress-free pregnancy to ensure the delivery of a healthy baby. Pregnancy, especially for first-time moms, can be overwhelming at times, since it’s a new chapter of their life that is on unfamiliar territory.
However, because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the potential severity of the virus, pregnancy can be more stressful and anxiety-inducing. The good news is, pregnant women can navigate through these uncertain times. Take note of these pregnancy facts and myths linked to COVID-19 and stay informed to keep you, your family, and your baby safe.
- Fact: Pregnant women can be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Experts have recommended that pregnant women should receive the vaccine, because of its ability to reduce the risk of severe complications caused by the illness, and to produce antibodies that can fight the disease and also protect the baby from further health issues.
The typical COVID-19 vaccine doesn’t have any of the viruses that cause the illness, so there’s a very little chance that a pregnant woman or their baby will be infected. Before you get vaccinated for COVID-19 though, you can consult your doctor and obstetrician for more information.
- Myth: The COVID-19 vaccine can cause a miscarriage.
If you’re worried that the COVID-19 vaccine can lead to a miscarriage or other delivery-related complications, you can breathe a small sigh of relief. One study conducted in the U.S. showed that there wasn’t a big difference between the percentage of miscarriage among unvaccinated pregnant women compared to those who were vaccinated.
Another study conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) among 1,613 pregnant women also found no link between the vaccine and miscarriage.
To prevent miscarriage and other health risks during both pregnancy and delivery, talk to your doctor or obstetrician as much as you can so you and your baby will be safe.
- Fact: Experts are still unsure if COVID-19 can be transmitted via breast milk.
World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines revealed that there are “knowledge gaps” regarding the possibility of COVID-19 transmission via breast milk.
Further studies need to be done to assess whether current breastfeeding practices may play a role in COVID-19 transmission, and if there are risks that can outweigh the benefits of breastfeeding and mother-and-child nurturing.
- Myth: The COVID-19 vaccine can cause fertility problems.
There is very little evidence linking the COVID-19 vaccine to various fertility issues. So if you’re trying to conceive or are planning to get pregnant in the future, consult your doctor on what would be the recommended time to get vaccinated.
- Fact: A pregnant woman’s overall risk for COVID-19 is low.
Overall, pregnant women have a low risk for COVID-19. However, this doesn’t mean you can be complacent, since research has shown that pregnant women or recently pregnant women have a higher risk of severe illness with COVID-19.
This means they’re more likely to be hospitalized, placed in intensive care, or even require a ventilator or a breathing apparatus.
This higher risk can be traced to respiratory and immune system changes during a pregnancy. Some studies have highlighted that these changes may affect how the mentioned systems function and ultimately make a pregnant woman at risk for severe disease.
Pregnant women who test positive for COVID-19 also have a higher risk of premature delivery (usually before the start of the 37th week of pregnancy), caesarean delivery, and sadly, even pregnancy loss. There’s also a possibility that the baby will require to be taken care of at a neonatal intensive care unit.
What You Can Do for Now
If you’re pregnant, strictly follow these health guidelines to keep you and your baby safe:
- Practice social distancing and stay at least 6 feet away from other people.
- Refrain from interacting with people who are showing symptoms, or are already sick.
- Keep your hands clean as well by washing them or using alcohol-based sanitizers.
During this time, help strengthen your immune system by consuming a diet loaded with healthy food and doing appropriate exercises, alongside supplements that may help you and your baby.
Let Multivitamins + Minerals + DHA + EPA (Obimin Plus) help you with this, as it’s the prenatal supplement with both EPA and DHA.
Ask your doctor about Multivitamins + Minerals + DHA + EPA (Obimin Plus) today.
ASC Reference No. U137P100721OS
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/pregnancy-and-covid-19/art-20482639
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/pregnancy.html
https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/postings/2021/08/pregnancy-covid19-myths-and-facts.php https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7156163/
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fgwh.2021.602572/full
https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspective/2021/09/covid-19-vaccines-dont-raise-miscarriage-risk-3-studies-show https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2784193
