The Union health ministry has issued fresh guidelines for administering the Covid-19 vaccine to pregnant women and said that pregnancy does not increase the risk of infection. “Most pregnant women will be asymptomatic or have a mild disease, but their health may deteriorate rapidly and that might affect the foetus too. It is important that they take all precautions to protect themselves from acquiring Covid-19, including taking vaccination against Covid-19. It is therefore advised that a pregnant woman should take Covid-19 vaccines,” the health ministry said in a statement on Monday.
Covid-19 vaccines are safe for pregnant women.
Covid-19 vaccines are safe for pregnant women, according to the ministry, and vaccination protects them from illness or disease caused by Covid-19. A vaccine, like any other medicine, can cause side effects, which are usually minor. She may experience a mild fever, pain at the injection site, or feeling unwell for 1-3 days after receiving the vaccine injection. The vaccine’s long-term side effects and safety for the foetus and child have yet to be determined. Pregnant women may experience some of the following symptoms within 20 days of receiving the Covid-19 vaccination, which may necessitate immediate medical attention, according to the ministry.
Covid-19 positive mothers’ recovery rate
According to the ministry, 90% of pregnant women who are infected with the virus recover without the need for hospitalisation, while a few may experience rapid health deterioration. “Symptomatic pregnant women appear to be at an increased risk of severe disease and death. In case of severe disease, like all other patients, pregnant women shall also need hospitalization. Pregnant women with underlying medical conditions e.g, high blood pressure, obesity, age over 35 years are at a higher risk of severe illness due to Covid-19,” it further stated.
Newborns of Covid-19 positive mothers’ health
Concerns about the baby’s health were addressed by the ministry, which stated that more than 95% of newborns born to Covid-19 positive mothers were in good health at birth. In some cases, Covid-19 infections in pregnancy can lead to a premature birth, where the baby’s weight is less than 2.5kg and, in rare cases, death before birth, according to the study.
Who are at higher risks of developing complications after Covid-19?
“Women older than 35 years of age, obese women, having a pre-existing illness such as diabetes or high blood pressure, having a history of clotting in the limbs are at a higher risk of developing complications after Covid-19 infection. In case a woman has been infected with Covid-19 during the current pregnancy, then she should be vaccinated soon after the delivery,” the ministry said.
On-site vaccination center/registration on the Co-Win portal
All pregnant women should register on the Co-WIN portal or get registered on-site at the Covid-19 vaccination centre, according to the Union health ministry.
