As a journalist who has spent the past year covering the U.S. government’s pandemic response, I found myself in a situation where I needed to make a crucial decision regarding my health and that of my unborn child. Following the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), I consulted with my healthcare provider to discuss the COVID-19 vaccine. His response was: “It’s a personal choice.” While I understood the sentiment, it left me seeking more concrete guidance.
For most Americans considering the coronavirus vaccine, the consensus from medical experts is clear: “Yes!” Extensive scientific evidence supports the vaccines’ safety and efficacy. However, when it comes to pregnancy, the situation becomes murkier. The initial clinical trials for the vaccines did not include pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, a common practice in medical research to protect the health of both mothers and fetuses. This caution stems from historical events, such as the thalidomide tragedy, which led to severe birth defects.
Initially, the World Health Organization recommended against vaccinating pregnant women, contradicting the CDC’s more individual-centered approach. Fortunately, the WHO has since updated its guidance to align with that of the CDC.
This backdrop made my vaccine decision particularly challenging. How does one choose a medical path without definitive clinical trial data or clear expert advice? While I’m not a medical professional, my background as a journalist allowed me to gather insights and question experts directly in my quest for answers.
I began by establishing a framework for my decision-making. Flipping a coin wasn’t an option when my health and my baby’s wellbeing were at stake. It became essential to evaluate both risks and benefits, a common practice in medical decision-making. For instance, physicians consider potential complications from procedures against the likelihood of health deterioration without intervention.
Dr. Julia Thompson, chair of Obstetrics at a leading university, emphasized that understanding the rigorous evaluation process for the vaccines is vital. Following trials involving tens of thousands, independent experts reviewed safety data for the FDA and CDC. Organizations like the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology later recommended the vaccines for pregnant women, reinforcing the thoroughness of the review process.
I delved into the available evidence regarding vaccine-related risks. While clinical trial data is limited, studies have shown that vaccines did not harm pregnant animals. Real-world data continues to improve, with nearly 78,000 vaccinated pregnant individuals reporting no harm to mothers or babies. “That’s pretty convincing evidence of safety,” noted Dr. Mia Roberts, an obstetrician and research leader. The CDC’s early data indicated that vaccinated pregnant women experienced typical side effects and faced no increased risk of birth complications compared to their unvaccinated peers.
Moreover, scientists found no compelling biological reasons for mRNA vaccines, like those from Pfizer and Moderna, or the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to harm pregnancy. Previous technology used in the Johnson & Johnson vaccine was deemed safe during pregnancy, and many vaccines have been safely administered to pregnant women over the years.
Given the positive signs surrounding the vaccines, I noted that current guidance from the CDC and ACOG seemed overly cautious. More studies regarding vaccinated pregnant women are expected soon. “In the near future, we will likely have more data to confidently recommend vaccinations during pregnancy, similar to how we endorse the flu and TDAP vaccines,” Dr. Thompson remarked.
I also considered the risks of not getting vaccinated. Research indicates that pregnant individuals infected with COVID-19 are at higher risk for severe illness, hospitalization, and complications like preterm birth. With over 60 million Americans fully vaccinated, including many vulnerable populations, the emergence of highly transmissible variants still posed a threat. “Infection rates remain significant,” Dr. Thompson cautioned. “You don’t want to be the last person exposed before the pandemic ends.”
Weighing the potential benefits on both sides, I recognized that while avoiding the vaccine might prevent unforeseen complications, the advantages of vaccination seemed more tangible. Protecting myself from severe illness, potentially passing antibodies to my child, contributing to herd immunity, and minimizing the risk of unknowingly spreading the virus were all compelling reasons to proceed with vaccination.
I also factored in my personal situation. While it would be ideal to avoid both vaccination uncertainty and severe COVID-19 risks by quarantining until my baby’s arrival, that wasn’t feasible for my family. It would negatively impact my mental health, and I wanted to participate in family events like my sister’s graduation and my cousin’s wedding.
Ultimately, I decided to get vaccinated against COVID-19. I felt that the clear benefits of vaccination far outweighed any unknown risks, and the dangers of contracting COVID-19 while pregnant—and potentially transmitting it to others—were too significant to ignore. I received my first dose of the Pfizer vaccine on Tuesday and enrolled in the CDC’s v-safe post-vaccination tracker to aid ongoing research about the vaccine’s effects on pregnancy and childbirth.
I hope that the data gathered from this tracker, along with upcoming studies, will help healthcare providers offer more informed advice to expectant mothers in the future. For further insights, you might find this post on home insemination beneficial, as well as the resources on fertility boosters. There’s also an excellent podcast on pregnancy and fertility preservation available at Cleveland Clinic.
Summary:
In this article, a journalist navigates the complex decision of whether to receive the COVID-19 vaccine while pregnant. Despite initial uncertainties and mixed guidance from health authorities, she meticulously weighs the risks and benefits. With compelling evidence supporting the vaccine’s safety for pregnant individuals and the significant risks posed by COVID-19, she ultimately decides to get vaccinated, hoping for clearer guidance for expectant mothers in the future.