There’s a lot of misinformation and confusion out there in relation to the COVID vaccine and pregnant people. We reached out to Professor Craig Pennell who is the Chair in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Professor in Maternal Fetal Medicine at the University of Newcastle as well as chair of the Red Nose National Scientific Advisory Group.
There’s a lot of misinformation and confusion about the COVID vaccine and pregnant people. We reached out to Professor Craig Pennell, the Chair in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Professor in Maternal-Fetal Medicine at the University of Newcastle and chair of the Red Nose National Scientific Advisory Group. (LINK)
Professor Pennell shares why it is important to protect yourself from COVID – 19, particularly if you are pregnant:
Pregnancy places stress on some parts of the mother during pregnancy. It causes a number of changes in the mother’s immune system to allow her baby to grow in a protected environment. Whilst the mother and baby are protected from most infections, there are increased risks with certain types of infection. COVID-19 is one of the infections that poses increased risk to mother and baby during pregnancy.
These risks of COVID-19 in pregnancy baby include an increased risk of:
- Premature birth
- Low birth weight
- Stillbirth
Safety data obtained from global research has shown that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are safe for pregnant women and their babies.
Catching COVID is not.
The Australian Government Department of Health says Comirnaty (Pfizer) and Spikevax (Moderna) vaccines are recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women and those planning a pregnancy. Women can receive the vaccine at any stage of pregnancy.
The risk of serious, negative outcomes from COVID-19 is higher for pregnant women and their unborn babies. Pregnant women who get COVID-19 have a higher risk of needing to go to hospital or needing intensive care. Their unborn baby will have a slightly higher chance of being born prematurely (born before 37 weeks of pregnancy) and needing to go to a hospital for care.
We understand that there are rumours that the vaccine causes miscarriage. Rest assured, that if you experienced a miscarriage after having the vaccine you have done nothing wrong. You did not cause the loss of your little one. Sadly, it is estimated that 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage and there is no indication that this number has increased after the vaccination.
If you have experienced a loss please reach out to our bereavement team on 1300 308 307.
Watch Professor Pennell discussing the vaccine.
Learn More about Professor Pennell
Visit the Department of Health
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