When my state announced that pregnancy was now classified as a qualifying condition for the COVID-19 vaccine, I eagerly signed up. At 35 weeks pregnant, I awkwardly climbed out of my car and braved the sleet. I had envisioned a bright, sunny day for my vaccination, but instead, icy pellets bombarded my maternity coat and the two masks covering my face. Despite my excitement, I felt a twinge of uncertainty—though my mixed feelings were not about the vaccine itself.
Before making the appointment, I reached out to my OB-GYN for guidance. I wanted to know if it was safe to receive the COVID-19 vaccine while pregnant and if I should get it now or postpone until after birth. Their response was clear: “All of our providers recommend the COVID-19 vaccine. It’s safe to be vaccinated before, during, and after pregnancy.” After nearly a year of grappling with the pandemic, I was relieved to hear such encouragement from my medical team regarding vaccination.
However, those lingering doubts crept back in. Did I truly deserve to get vaccinated when supplies were still limited? At 34 years old, I have the luxury of working from home, venturing out only for outdoor activities with my family or to pick up my toddler from daycare. With no high-risk conditions outside of pregnancy, I questioned the necessity of my vaccination, especially since I might not even be pregnant by the time I returned for my second dose.
On January 19, when my state expanded its vaccine eligibility to include anyone with health conditions at greater risk for severe COVID symptoms, I felt surprisingly fortunate to have this opportunity. While researching options, I learned about the valuable resources available for those looking to conceive, such as Vegas Pregnancy, a free sperm donor matching service in Las Vegas, and Make a Mom, which offers at-home insemination syringe kits—the only reusable option on the market. You can also see how at-home insemination works here.
If you’re exploring pregnancy options, you might also find helpful information about intrauterine insemination at Hopkins Medicine, a great resource for understanding various procedures. For insights on saving for your child’s future, check out our blog post on college savings.
In the end, while I faced my fair share of doubts, my choice to get vaccinated was driven by the desire to protect myself and my baby during these uncertain times. It’s crucial to weigh the benefits and risks, and for me, the guidance from my healthcare providers made all the difference.
Summary: At 35 weeks pregnant, I decided to get the COVID-19 vaccine after consulting my OB-GYN, who strongly recommended it. Despite initial concerns about vaccine availability and my own health risks, I felt reassured by the medical advice and eager to protect my baby from the virus. Resources for conception and fertility, such as sperm donor matching services and at-home insemination kits, offer additional support for those on their pregnancy journeys.
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