Doctors and midwives fear next week’s unlocking of Covid restrictions will pose a risk to pregnant women. They worry easing measures could lead to an increase in infections.
Pregnant women can find themselves at greater risk of becoming severely ill with Covid, especially during the late stages of pregnancy. This is partly down to added pressure the growing foetus exerts on the lungs.
Experts urge pregnant women to get their vaccinations “to protect yourself, your baby and your family”. Evidence shows it is safe to have a Covid jab while pregnant. However, data suggests 58% of pregnant women declined a vaccine.
Additionally, infected mothers are more likely to require an emergency Caesarean when giving birth.
Mixed messages
At the start of the vaccination programme “mixed messages” about its safety caused confusion. But approval was given for use on pregnant women in April. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) is disappointed that the government and NHS England did not do more to target the group. While other clinically vulnerable people had prioritisation for vaccination, pregnant women didn’t.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) now advises pregnant women are offered the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines at the same time as the rest of the population, where available.
Research involving over 90,000 pregnant people in the US detected no risk from the vaccine. There is also no evidence to suggest increased risk of miscarriage, as it does not pass from mother to child via the placenta.
Vaccination is vital
Unvaccinated pregnant women are now urged to get a jab and book their second doses as soon as they can. Those who are not fully vaccinated yet should continue social distancing to avoid infection, particularly if in their third trimester.
President of the RCOG, Dr Edward Morris, RCOG president, says “vaccine is the safest and most effective way of protecting women and their babies”. He is concerned the rising rates of Covid cases will adversely impact pregnant women.
Chief executive of the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), Gill Walton, says, “along with mask wearing, hand washing and social distancing, vaccination is a vital tool in the fight to protect yourself against this virus”. She advises people who have concerns or queries to talk to their doctor or midwife. This way they can ensure they know the facts before making a decision.
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