If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or plan to get pregnant then this is for you.
A press statement by the Health director-general on August 11, 2021 highlighted the seriousness of Covid-19 infection in pregnant women.
It is alarming to note that there have been 70 maternal deaths since March 2020.
There is also a notable increase in Covid-19 infections in pregnancy, and a significant increase in ICU admissions for pregnant women.
Vaccination is vital in the prevention and transmission of Covid-19 infections. It is understandable that there is some concern about vaccinations or any drugs that are taken by mothers during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
However, there is abundant data and evidence available showing that vaccination is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. There has been no evidence of defects in babies after vaccination.
The side effects are rare and similar to those who are not pregnant. There is also a potential reduction in the risk of preterm labour and stillbirth if a mother contracts Covid-19 after vaccination.
We strongly advise that if you are pregnant, you should get vaccinated at the earliest opportunity. It is preferable to be vaccinated after 12 weeks of pregnancy, but it is safe to be vaccinated any time during pregnancy.
It is also safe if you are breastfeeding and there is no need to stop. If you are planning to conceive, be reassured that it is safe and there is no need to delay the pregnancy.
If you have not received the vaccine, please make arrangements to contact your doctor as soon as possible. You can also discuss with your doctor any concerns you might have.
All vaccines are safe for pregnant women, and the mRNA vaccine currently has the largest data on safety.
The government has prioritised you in the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (PICK) and is rolling out the Pfizer-Comirnaty (mRNA) vaccine for women in your category.
More vaccinations centres have opened up, and they follow strict SOP’s which makes it safe for you to get vaccinated at these centres.
So ladies, please get vaccinated whether before, during or after pregnancy.
Dr Alex Mathews, Dr Aziz Yahya, Dr Johari Bux, Dr Gunasegaran Rajan and Dr Ng Kwee Boon are trustees of the Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Malaysia.
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of CodeBlue.
