Vaccines and pregnant women: Does it affect breast milk?
As vaccines have been approved for emergency use, it still has women and soon-to-be mothers concerned.
LINCOLN, Neb., (KLKN) — As vaccines have been approved for emergency use, it still has women and soon-to-be mothers concerned.
This is a discussion among women of all ages. Do I need to avoid pregnancy? Will the vaccine affect pregnancy? Or even breast milk?
The CDC says pregnant women have an increased risk to get severe illness from COVID–19.
Here are some of the facts, The CDC says women do not need to routine tests before or after receiving a vaccine.
The mRNA vaccines have not shown effects on breast milk or a breastfed infant, so if you get the vaccine you can continue to breastfeed.
A CHI Health doctor adds any time you can get the vaccine, it could be best for you and the child.
“Anytime that the patients eligible to receive the vaccine, they should receive it, whether it be in the early first-trimester second-trimester third trimester near delivery,” said Robin Farias-Eisner. “We are advocates that as soon as possible it’s always great to protect our patients.”
Farias-Eisner adds there is no data to support that there are any adverse effects on fertility.
“There’s no data to support that there is any adverse effect on fertility and again because of this virus,” said Farias-Eisner. “We have not seen even the virus, causing long-term effects on infertility. Within the data that we have, and since these vaccines are mRNA vaccines as we’ve mentioned and not live virus there’s no long term sick rely or even short term evidence that there’s any adverse effect on fertility.”
Because there is limited data, the CDC is continuing to study the vaccine and its effects on pregnancy. It is important that you speak with your doctor about side effects and if the vaccine is right for you.
MORE ON PREGNANCY AND COVID- 19 VACCINES:
Pregnant women at 70% higher risk for COVID-19 infection, study shows
HEAR FROM AN EXPERT: Should pregnant women get the COVID vaccine?
Bryan Health on pregnancy and the COVID-19 vaccine
