Experts have highlighted that pregnant women should come forward and get themselves vaccinated before the third wave of COVID-19 comes. The Union Health Ministry has given approval for them to get vaccinated.

This approval was given due to the second wave being harsh on pregnant women with serious symptoms, such as breathlessness. Exclusive vaccination drives should be arranged for pregnant women. Gynecologists should be present at the site so that the immunization drive for pregnant women is risk-free. 

Dr. Suhasini Inamdar, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospital in Bengaluru said that vaccination for pregnant women has already begun, and taking the vaccine right time will protect the pregnant women before the onset of the 3rd wave. Pregnant women should get the shot after the first trimester. It is better to avoid it in the first trimester as no data is available on the side effects in the early months.

Dr. Bharati Kamoji, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Aster CMI Hospital said that COVID vaccines should be given to all pregnant women as the rest of the population. The severity of the disease will be less if they get vaccinated. The risk of stillbirth and premature deliveries would be also less. Also, the rate of transmission between their family members will also be reduced.

Few gynecologists have highlighted that there should be exclusive vaccination drives for pregnant women should be given priority in hospitals so they shouldn’t be mixed with the rest of the population. 

For lactating mothers, it is advised to take vaccination 3-4 weeks after delivery as the consistency of the blood will be thicker. Pregnant women with co-morbidities such as hypertension and diabetes should be monitored after taking the shot. Pregnant women prone to allergic reactions should consult with their physicians before taking the vaccine shot.

Source: The New Indian Express