I’m Expecting and Vaccinated — My Journey to the Decision

I was hoping for more guidance from my healthcare provider. As a journalist who has spent the past year investigating the U.S. government’s pandemic response, I’ve learned just how much I still need to understand. So, as a pregnant woman, I sought the advice of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and asked my doctor about getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

His reply was, “It’s a personal decision.” While I appreciated his perspective, it wasn’t particularly helpful. For most Americans pondering vaccination against the coronavirus, the overwhelming consensus from medical experts is a resounding, “Yes!” There’s solid scientific evidence proving the vaccines are both safe and effective. However, for pregnant individuals, the situation becomes more complicated.

Initially, clinical trials for the COVID-19 vaccines did not include pregnant or breastfeeding participants, adhering to a long-standing practice in medical research. This exclusion is due to the complexities associated with pregnancy, where both maternal and fetal health must be considered. The caution stems partly from historical incidents like the thalidomide tragedy, which highlighted the potential risks of new medications during pregnancy.

This history has led to ongoing debates among experts about the safety of vaccines for expectant mothers. Earlier this year, the World Health Organization (WHO) advised against vaccination for pregnant women, which contrasted with the CDC’s more flexible recommendation. Fortunately, the WHO later revised its guidance to align more closely with that of the CDC.

Navigating the Decision to Vaccinate

Given this backdrop, how should pregnant women navigate the decision to vaccinate without definitive clinical trial evidence or clear expert recommendations? While I’m not a medical professional, my role as a journalist allows me to research extensively and consult experts directly. Here’s how I approached my decision.

First, I established a framework for making my choice. Flipping a coin didn’t seem like a responsible option. With the health of both myself and my baby at stake, I felt it was wise to evaluate the risks and benefits. This approach is common in medicine; for example, doctors weigh the risks of complications against the potential benefits when considering surgery.

Dr. Sarah Bennett, chair of Obstetrics at a prominent university, emphasized the importance of understanding the thorough regulatory processes that assess vaccine safety. The vaccines underwent rigorous clinical trials involving tens of thousands of participants, including a limited number of pregnant women. Independent experts reviewed safety data for both the FDA and the CDC, which led to professional organizations, like the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, advocating for vaccine availability to pregnant women. “It’s a thorough process with ongoing reviews,” said Bennett. “This isn’t some half-baked idea.”

I then analyzed the risks associated with the vaccine. Although clinical trial data specific to pregnant women is limited, studies have shown that the vaccines did not harm pregnant animals. Real-world evidence is increasingly reassuring: nearly 78,000 vaccinated pregnant individuals in the U.S. reported no harm to themselves or their babies. “This is compelling evidence of safety,” remarked Dr. Mark Johnson, an obstetrician and researcher. The CDC’s preliminary data indicates that vaccinated pregnant women experienced typical side effects and were not at increased risk of birth complications compared to those unvaccinated.

Moreover, experts see no clear biological reason why mRNA vaccines (like those from Pfizer and Moderna) or the Johnson & Johnson vaccine would negatively impact pregnancy. In fact, the technology in the Johnson & Johnson vaccine was also used in an Ebola vaccine that proved safe for pregnant individuals. Pregnant women have safely received various vaccines for decades; while live virus vaccines are not recommended, the COVID-19 vaccines do not contain live virus. Rather, they instruct the body to produce coronavirus proteins, prompting an immune response to develop antibodies.

With this encouraging information, I found the current guidelines from organizations like the CDC and ACOG to be rather cautious. More research on vaccinated pregnant individuals is forthcoming. “I expect we’ll soon have data that will allow us to recommend the vaccine with confidence, just as we do with the flu and TDAP vaccines during pregnancy,” said Bennett.

Considering the Risks of Remaining Unvaccinated

I also considered the risks of remaining unvaccinated. Research reveals that contracting COVID-19 during pregnancy increases the likelihood of severe illness, hospitalization, or even ventilation. The virus could also heighten the risk of premature birth, which carries its own complications. Despite over 60 million Americans being fully vaccinated, the spread of highly infectious variants remains a concern. “Infection rates are still significant,” Bennett warned. “You don’t want to be the last person left unprotected as we approach the end of this pandemic.”

I weighed the benefits on both sides. The primary advantage of avoiding the vaccine was the chance of steering clear of rare complications. However, the benefits of vaccination appeared more tangible: protection from severe illness, potential antibody transfer to my child, contributing to community herd immunity, and the ability to engage more fully in society with lower transmission risks.

I also factored in my personal circumstances. While I could have chosen to quarantine until the pandemic ended or until I gave birth, such isolation wasn’t feasible for my family or my mental well-being. After a year of virtual gatherings, I was eager to attend my sister’s graduation and my cousin’s wedding.

Ultimately, I decided to get vaccinated. I concluded that the clear advantages of vaccination outweighed the uncertainties, and the known risks of contracting COVID-19 while pregnant were far more significant than the potential unknowns of the vaccine.

I received my first dose of the Pfizer vaccine on Tuesday and enrolled in the CDC’s v-safe post-vaccination monitoring program to aid research on vaccine effects during pregnancy and childbirth. I hope that the data collected will enable healthcare providers to give more definitive guidance to expectant mothers in the near future.

Further Insights and Resources

For further insights on pregnancy and home insemination, you can check out this blog post. If you’re looking for expert advice, Make a Mom offers valuable resources on fertility journeys. Additionally, Resolve.org is an excellent source for information on family-building options.

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Summary:

In my journey to decide on the COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy, I weighed expert opinions, personal circumstances, and the risks associated with both vaccination and potential COVID-19 infection. After thorough research and consideration, I chose to get vaccinated, believing the benefits far outweighed the uncertainties.