​FAQ on the COVID-19 Vaccine and Pregnancy

​For couples who are expecting, or planning to have a baby soon, there's no doubt that the pandemic has brought even more questions and concerns about the health of their unborn child. One of those topics is the COVID-19 vaccine—should pregnant women get it? What are the risks? Let’s dive in and answer some of the most common FAQs about the COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy. 

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What Are The Risks Of Getting The Vaccine While Pregnant? 
At this point, there is no evidence that getting vaccinated while pregnant carries any risks for pregnant women or their babies. In fact, studies conducted on animals have shown that pregnant animals did not suffer any adverse effects from receiving the vaccine. Additionally, early studies in humans have not found any safety concerns associated with vaccination during pregnancy. 

Should I Get The Vaccine Before Or After I Get Pregnant? 
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) suggests that if you are planning to become pregnant soon, getting vaccinated before you become pregnant is best. This way, you will be protected against COVID-19 from day one of your pregnancy. If you didn't get vaccinated before becoming pregnant, don't worry—it is still safe to get vaccinated during pregnancy. 

What Are The Benefits Of Getting The Vaccine During Pregnancy? 
Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 can help protect both you and your unborn baby from getting infected with the virus. It also helps reduce your risk for severe illness should you contract the virus during your pregnancy—which can be very dangerous for both mother and baby. Additionally, getting vaccinated may help protect your newborn from contracting the virus after birth—newborns cannot receive their own vaccine until they are at least 6 weeks old. 

The decision to get vaccinated while pregnant is a personal one that should be discussed with your doctor or healthcare provider in order to determine what is best for you and your growing family. With so many unknowns surrounding this pandemic, it's important to stay informed on all available options so that couples can make an informed decision about their health care needs when it comes to protecting themselves against COVID-19 during pregnancy. By understanding the facts around this issue – including potential benefits as well as risks – couples can make educated decisions regarding their health and well-being while caring for their unborn child safely throughout this uncertain time.

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