Covid vaccine

mockingjay1 · June 2021

I thought this was a significant enough discussion to warrant it's own thread. If you weren't vaccinated before you were pregnant and want to be, have you gotten the vaccine yet? Do you plan to get it later in pregnancy if not? I'd love any input on what others have done (no judgement). Trying to figure this out for myself. I wish I would have been able to get it before I got pregnant. I'm pretty sure I want to get it sometime while pregnant, especially with my mom having cancer, but I'm not sure how far along since research isn't really out there on getting it earlier on. And with our loss history and being 35 it just seems like an even harder decision.

rgn12 · June 2021

Thank you for starting this I am struggling as well! I had signed up for the covid vaccine in March and got so anxious because I could be pregnant that I canceled it. And then I was in fact pregnant! I’ve been struggling ever since with deciding what to do. One OB at my office said “you can get it if you want to” and another provider said definitely. Then one of my friends is pregnant in a neighboring state and they told her absolutely not. It is just so confusing and scary. Both the vaccine and covid. When I first found out I gave myself some time and space to re-evaluate in second trimester, because I wasn’t comfortable with first trimester after my MC in December. Now in second trimester, I am unsure and considering maybe third trimester since that’s what most of the studies/information have come from. I honestly have no idea what to do though. I am rational and know that there is no evidence to suggest that there is any risk or danger at this time, but I’m terrified that I’ll get it and a week later they find something out that is bad. If I was not pregnant I would absolute be vaccinated already, but being pregnant changes this for me.

I have been working from home since the pandemic started, and I am now starting to get some pushback about returning in-person. If I don’t get vaccinated, I will just continue working from home and take my chances with losing income (I’m self-employed).

So long story short I don’t know what the heck to do and appreciate you starting this thread!

eggsbene42 · June 2021

I got the first one right around the time I conceived. I found out I was pregnant like two days before I was set to get the second dose. I asked my OB if I should hold off on the second dose and he said he didn’t see why I shouldn’t get it. So I went ahead and got it, but had I not, I would definitely get it now or before winter, as I suspect cases are going to ramp up again and like @rgn12 I’m going to have to go back in office soon.

I totally get the uncertainty you guys have.

scaredunprepared · June 2021

I got the first dose right when I started my period before I got pregnant. I got my second dose at a few weeks pregnant before we even knew. Probably better that way because I couldn't over think it.

kaitcrystalline · June 2021

I got my first dose 8 weeks pregnant and second dose at 16 weeks. I was very nervous to get it but my doctor, Midwives and family friends who are doctors said to go for it. Also my sister is doing IVF and asked her IVF doctor who also recommended getting it. She just had her transfer *fingers crossed* and will be waiting to get her 2nd dose until later in her pregnancy solely due to personal preference. Her IVF doc said it was fine to get it 10 days after the transfer.

I definitely get being on the fence about it though. After I got my first shot, I stayed in bed the rest of the day. Not because I had side effects but because I was so scared I did the wrong thing. Getting my 2nd dose was totally fine though. I didn't gave side effects for either BTW.

mommyb31 · June 2021

Thank you for starting this thread! To be honest (no judgment please), I didn’t want the vaccine even if I wasn’t pregnant & I definitely don’t want it now because I am pregnant. I have so many questions in my head. I have family and friends that are in the pharmaceutical business & I don’t trust it. There is not enough research for me & it seems strange that they are offering incentives everywhere to take the vaccine. Me and my husband are the only ones on my side of the family who have opted out. I feel like this should be a personal decision & not forced too. It’s your body... you should be able to control it. This Covid & vaccine is so nerve wreaking! Those of you who decided to take it, good for you for making a decision for your body! Hey, I may change my mind later on down the road. Oh, the only thing that I just started to worry about is travel...we are planning to travel internationally in Oct & my OB advised that I take the vaccine.

PYLWhammy · June 2021

I had my first dose at (I think) 5 weeks and second at 9. I wasn't worried at all. No side effects other than a bit of arm soreness. I was much more worried about the risk of getting COVID during pregnancy.

j-to-the-amie · June 2021

Glad someone started this thread

on same boat as many others...except I don't really have the choice at the moment.

Had my first shot when I didn't realize I was pregnant... and had to cancel my second shot appointment (I thought about lying about pregnancy... but would have also been in first trimester and I was a bit uncomfortable with that as I already had one in the first couple weeks...). In the country I am living, they will not let you get it unless you have one of different things that would consider you high risk. So at the moment, I actually can't get it unless my gyno said I was high risk... and supposedly some gynos are gettin in trouble for false "high risk" statements. I assume that this will change... I saw in USA they are looking at vaccinating down to 6 month olds...and in my opinion, I would like to try to give my child antibodies if possible feeling that seems "safer" to me than perhaps down the road having my 6 month old get it.

@mommyb31 I am on same boat too of wanting to travel internationally this summer..and it would be sooooo easy if I was fully vaccinated...

I feel like now that I am in second trimester, if they allowed it, I would sign up asap... and if they don't then I will get it after having baby and hope I can breastfeed and pass on some of the antibodies.

What a world we currently live in...

fifilala516 · June 2021

*lurking from January* I ended up getting pregnant and having a chemical pregnancy in between my 1st and 2nd dose in March. I asked my OB if I could get the 2nd dose (I was actively miscarrying) and he said, "You should absolutely get it" because the risks of contracting Covid while pregnant are greater than any risks associated with the vaccine.

I ended up getting pregnant a month later (I am currently 10w5d) and am so happy I got vaccinated - and if I hadn't gotten vaccinated before becoming pregnant, I definitely would.

FWIW, I'm in NY state and before the vaccine was eligible to everyone above a certain age, they listed pregnancy as a comorbidity.

bkjade · June 2021

I was able to get my first vaccine in February. We were TTC at the time so I assumed that I would be pregnant for at least one of my doses. No major side effects, just tired and a bit of a sore arm.

mockingjay1 · June 2021

It's so nice to hear everyone's experiences and thoughts. I am usually 100% pro vaccine and pro science (I stay at home now, but I'm an RN and worked in the hospital for 9 years first). I didn't think twice about getting the flu and tdap vaccines when I was pregnant with DS1 and DS2, so I'm not sure why I'm struggling. I think partly because it's new although I know a lot of the research for other coronavirus vaccines was already underway making coming up with a covid vaccine easier/quicker and party because with my loss history it's just scary. I know that I'll get it just need to decide when.

My SIL was in the boat some of you ladies were - she got the first vaccine when she didn't know she was pregnant, so she went ahead and got the second without any issues. My other SIL got it third trimester without issues.

JamieH2000 · June 2021

So I struggled with this a lot given the challenges to get pregnant with this baby. But I did get vaccinated at 7/11 weeks. The data and research I did made me way more afraid to get covid than any theoretical risk of the vaccine. I joined the Facebook group “covid 19 vaccine- evidence based group: pregnancy, lactation, TTC and children”. I followed as hundreds/thousands of women got vaccinated while pregnant before me and shared their stories. They also shared the latest research continually. High reco for those on the fence and want to learn more!

scaredunprepared · June 2021

@JamieH2000 thank you for sharing! I am already vaccinated, but such a good reference for others in the group.

brookert615 · June 2021

I'm always pro-vaccine and I was super hesitant about the Covid vaccine. I have autoimmune diseases and I had a pretty rough immune reaction to the HPV vaccine. I honestly was deep-diving into the studies and just learning about the vaccine itself and just looking at the numbers - also seeing that the mRNA vaccines have been around a lot longer than we think. I joined the Facebook group Covid 19 Vaccine-Evidence Based Group: Pregnancy, Lactation, TTC & Children where a lot of women who are pregnant and also have autoimmune diseases shared their personal experiences - which is reassuring to me. It's also nice because a good bit of women who had the vaccine earlier on in pregnancy are now having their healthy babies. I talked to my doctors and they all said that they encourage the vaccine but it was ultimately my choice. I did get my first dose a few days shy of 13 weeks and I got hit pretty hard but it lasted about two days. I get my second dose before my next prenatal visit so I'm hoping that everything sounds good. I do wish I was able to get some sort of monitoring to ease my anxiety of it all. It came down to Pascal's Wager personally - it was a bigger risk of getting Covid than the vaccine for me. Although to note - I will NEVER judge/shame someone because of their personal choice.

loquacious123 · June 2021

I got the first dose right before I found out I was pregnant and then the second dose in the first trimester. I wanted to wait and cancel, but because of the way doses are assigned, it was tricky. I had COVID last summer and it was really tough and my fever was so high, so I didn't want to risk knowing I will be working in person again soon. To be honest, I am still very anxious about whether it was the right decision, but I'm so scared to catch COVID again during cold and flu season. Ugh. Wishing everyone best of luck.

littleschmidts · June 2021

I got my first dose in May - I was definitely concerned because, as others are saying, there hasn't been a ton of research on the vaccine in pregnant women, but ultimately decided to do it because a) I've made the decision for my mental health to do whatever my midwife recommends with little to no second guessing, and b) I work very closely with the general public. I should be eligible for my 2nd shot soon.

PrettyPalomino · June 2021

I was hesitant on getting it, but about a month before my embryo transfer, my whole family caught a cold. Everyone else experienced it as mild sniffles, and I got hit so hard with a 3 week long respiratory infection (wasn’t Covid; we all tested negative) and made me realize how crap my system is at dealing with respiratory problems. I get bronchitis twice a year, and I just feel so vulnerable to that stuff, so I went for it! Got first dose at 5 weeks and 2nd dose last week (13 weeks). No side effects 👍

kats0727 · July 2021

Lurking here, but am currently due in Dec. I was vaccinated back in Dec/Jan before conceiving but there's a great Instagram account called @babiesafter35. She's a MFM doc at UTMB-Galveston and has posted extensively about the covid vaccine and pregnancy. She always cites her sources from peer reviewed research articles (she's very pro getting the vaccine).

Just thought y'all might want to check it out if you're on the fence.

rgn12 · August 2021

After lots of thought and contemplation, particularly with new info and recommendations put out by ACOG and other reputable organizations I think I’m going to get the covid vaccine during pregnancy. I am scared of the vaccine and covid, but covid is scaring me far worse right now. I have two options. I could get my first vaccine on Monday (@ 25 weeks) and postpone my tdap (OB okayed this @ 30 weeks) a few weeks to give my body a break after the second one (@ 28 weeks). Or I can wait, do my usual 28 weeks stuff (glucose, rhogam, tdap, possibly flu) and then wait a couple of weeks and start the covid vaccine process at 30 weeks. What would you all do?

Side note, I have worked from home the entire pandemic with no plans to return in 2021 before maternity leave. I rarely go anywhere since I am high risk and my DD cannot be vaccinated. I always mask when I go out. DH is vaccinated already.

ETA - I would have to get Rhogam and Covid #2 at the same time (or within days likely) if I do Covid at 25/28 weeks. If that makes a difference. OB said I could, but I don’t know if I should.

bkjade · August 2021

@rgn12 - with the state of things and the higher risk for pregnant folks, I’d try and get the Covid vaccine as early as possible, but that’s just me. Studies show that vaccination earlier has led to a higher likelihood of passing antibodies on to the 👶 as well.

Related, is anyone else going to try and get a booster should they become available? I know I def will but haven’t heard much about when that might happen.

rgn12 · August 2021

@bkjade thank you for your input. I think that the booster will be available starting 9/20 for individuals where it has been 8+ months since their last vaccine.

kaitcrystalline · August 2021

I think I would also get covid first. I know you have to wait 4 weeks from the second shot to your Dtap. So if you got your second one at 28 weeks then you could get your Tdap at just over 32 weeks. At least that'd how they explained it to me in Canada. The wait times could be different in the US though.

rgn12 · August 2021

@kaitcrystalline strangely enough my OB said you didn’t have to wait, apparently some new thing in the US. But she said if it made me feel better I could push tdap/flu to 30-32 weeks

mockingjay1 · August 2021

@rgn12 I saw in randoms you just got your first dose. Good for you!! After being in the facebook group others recommended here, I felt very confident in the data supporting pregnant women get the vaccine. I got my first dose at 18 weeks, and my second at 22 (a week late because we were on vacay). I am SO glad to have it done. We're still masking everywhere, not going to places unless necessary like the store, and not seeing hardly anyone other than close family and a couple friends outdoors. With as easy as the delta variant spreads it's nice to lower our risk of severe illness with the vaccine.

rgn12 · August 2021

@mockingjay1 I hear ya! I will probably keep doing the same thing I’m doing now as well. I’ll just hopefully feel less anxious about being one of those terrible cases. I’ve heard so many horror stories about pregnant women with the delta variant and it terrifies me. I just hope I can get the second one without catching it before then… scary times

melbel0824 · August 2021

@bkjade I'm definitely hoping to get the booster shot, but I won't be 8 months out from my last shot until November.

mac-n-cheesy · August 2021

*lurking from Oct 2021*

I got the vaccine in March and finalized my last dose 4/29/2021–Pfizer. I got COVID around the 13th of this month and a positive test on the 19th. I have never felt so ill in my entire life—including any flu. My SO had it hit a bit harder with the diarrhea and chills and he was unvaccinated so it may have made my symptoms a bit less. Neither of us ever had a fever.
I lost 8 pounds in 7 days and my BMI dropped to 17 again after getting a little higher (I have HG so weight gain has been an near impossible).
Just from personal experience, get it. It didn’t prevent me from getting it but if you can avoid what I went through and is still lingering I’d do it.
BTW I’ll be 32 weeks tomorrow.

prpl11butterfly · August 2021

I'll be getting the booster but won't be due until Jan. Will discuss with my OB next visit to see if they think I should wait or try to get it early.

brookert615 · August 2021

I'm very conflicted on the booster since I had the worst reaction with the second dose + the autoimmune flare up that lasted a month. I did talk to the CDC and report it all so I can at least add to the pregnant + autoimmune disease data. Those participating in the booster study are in my one covid vaccine mom group are saying the booster hit them harder than the second dose. I just feel defeated and scared.

kats0727 · August 2021

@brookert615

Same. Didn't cause my autoimmune stuff to flare but I had a three day fever with chills and body aches after the second dose. I'm eligible for my booster in September (health care worker) and I keep thinking I'd rather pass on antibodies to this kiddo than not get it. I can let you know how it goes.

brookert615 · August 2021

@kats0727 Yes, please let us know!

prpl11butterfly · August 2021

@brookert615 given your reaction to the 2nd, I understand the hesitancy for the booster. You have plenty of time to think about it though! And maybe not being pregnant your body won't respond quite as dramatically 🤷‍♀️

brookert615 · August 2021

@prpl11butterfly Very, very true!!!

sophirolr · April 2022

! I had signed up for the covid vaccine in March and I'm happy that I did it

Covid vaccine

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