By Sheila Kaufman, MSN, CNM, WHNP-BC, Certified Nurse Midwife, Virtua Midwifery

As parents, our profound need to safeguard our kids has led to important questions and discussions about the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine, especially for people who are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or who are breastfeeding.

The following trusted national medical associations recommend that people who are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding get the COVID-19 vaccine and the booster shot when eligible:

• American College of Nurse Midwives
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
• Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine

These organizations trust the consistent evidence that shows COVID-19 vaccination is safe and effective. In addition, the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy extend to newborns, offering protection in their first six months and helping prevent severe illness and hospitalization.

This is a critical discussion we often have with our patients. We provide answers to the most pressing questions we've received. As always, we encourage you to discuss your questions or concerns with your pregnancy care provider.

Frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy

Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I'm pregnant or trying to get pregnant?

If you're pregnant, you're taking other steps to have a safe and healthy pregnancy. This includes eating a well-balanced, nourishing diet, exercising, taking a daily prenatal vitamin with folic acid, and seeing your pregnancy care provider for regular prenatal care.

Given all that you're doing, it's understandable if you have questions or are worried about the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine. We honor your concern, but we ask that you trust your provider's advice.

As pregnancy care providers, we are clear: vaccination is the best tool we currently have to protect you and your baby from COVID-19 infection and illness. This isn't a new recommendation for us: getting vaccinated against COVID-19, just like getting your flu shot and Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) booster, is a way to protect yourself and have a healthy pregnancy. That protection also extends to your newborn. You can even get all three vaccines at the same time.

Talk with your provider to determine the best time in your pregnancy to get these vaccines.

What are the possible side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy?

A pregnant person who gets the COVID-19 vaccine may experience one or more common reactions over the coming days:

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Headache
• Pain/soreness in the arm

Common side effects are a sign that the vaccine is working and are usually minor, improving quickly. Some people have no symptoms at all.

If you develop a fever, take acetaminophen as directed to reduce your temperature. If you’re allergic to acetaminophen, talk to your provider about alternative treatment options.

What are the risks if I get COVID-19 during pregnancy?

Research shows that being pregnant puts you at an increased risk of getting sicker if you get COVID-19.

If you get infected with COVID-19 while you're pregnant, you have a higher risk of the following:

• Being hospitalized and needing respiratory support
• Preterm birth or having a low birth-weight baby
• Developing blood pressure problems (preeclampsia)
• A small but significant increase in stillbirth

The risks are further increased if you have pre-existing conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, or heart disease.

Should I take a pregnancy test before I get vaccinated?

No. A positive pregnancy test wouldn't change the recommendation to get vaccinated or boosted.

I’m in my third trimester of pregnancy. Should I wait until after I deliver to get vaccinated?

Don't wait! Schedule your vaccine now to protect yourself and your baby. After birth, you're going to want to spend as much time as you can bonding with your newborn. Getting vaccinated ensures you won't be sick with COVID-19 during those precious first days.

Also, your partner and any other family or friends who will be around your newborn should get vaccinated as well—for COVID-19, flu, and whooping cough (pertussis).

Will the COVID-19 vaccine affect my fertility or ability to conceive?

There’s no evidence that the vaccine affects fertility in either partner or the ability to become pregnant.

Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I'm breastfeeding?

Yes, we absolutely recommend getting the vaccine if you're breastfeeding. Studies have demonstrated that COVID-19 mRNA vaccine antibodies are found in the breast milk of vaccinated breastfeeding mothers, which can potentially pass along protection to the breastfed infant.

I don't want to get the COVID-19 vaccine while I'm pregnant. What else can I do to protect myself?

While vaccination is the best protection, you can take steps to "cocoon" yourself throughout your pregnancy. This includes:

• Wearing a well-fitting mask, such as an N95 or KN95, in public.
• Encouraging your household to get fully vaccinated/boosted to reduce the risk that they bring COVID-19 home to you.
• Avoiding large gatherings and unnecessary travel.
• Asking your partner, family, and friends to help with errands so you can avoid stores and crowded public areas.

If you test positive for COVID-19 while you’re pregnant, contact your provider immediately to create a plan for monitoring and managing your symptoms.

If you have additional questions or concerns, talk to your midwife or OB provider. It's understandable if you're concerned about getting vaccinated during pregnancy, but doing so will help protect you, your baby, your family, and your community.

Virtua experts are here to help you have a healthy pregnancy

• Find a Virtua OB provider near you and schedule an appointment online.
• Virtua Health offers a variety of in-person and virtual maternity and breastfeeding classes, including childbirth preparation, baby basics, prenatal yoga, and more. See all the maternity classes.