Back to SearchNIPISSING & PARRY SOUND, ON - Individuals who are pregnant and those who are breastfeeding who have not received their COVID-19 vaccine are encouraged to speak to their primary health care provider, midwife or OB/GYN about getting the vaccine.
“Being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding people, getting COVID-19 is not,” explains Dr. Fantham-Tremblay, Head of Obstetrics and Gynecology, North Bay Regional Health Centre. “We understand that the decisions made by expecting parents or those breastfeeding are done with an abundance of caution with the baby’s health in mind. By speaking with a primary health care provider, midwife or OB/GYN about the COVID-19 vaccine, your questions will be answered without judgement and by an individual who has you and your baby’s health top of mind.”
It is also important for individuals who will be in close contact with the pregnant person or baby to get vaccinated against COVID-19 to help prevent the spread, especially as infants cannot be vaccinated. Being vaccinated against COVID-19 and ensuring that all vaccines are up-to-date is one thing that partners and loved ones can do while preparing for baby.
“Over 80,000 pregnant people have now received (the) COVID-19 vaccine, without any safety or fertility concerns being identified,” explains Audrey tenWesteneind, Midwife, K'Tigaaning Midwives. “Pregnant people who get COVID-19 are much more likely to get severe illness and require care in the hospital and ICU than other people with COVID who are not pregnant. It is not too late to speak with primary health care provider, midwife or OB/GYN about the COVID-19 vaccine, as it is recommended to get at any point in pregnancy or during lactation.”
The risks of complications or severity from COVID-19 illness during pregnancy or postpartum outweigh any potential risk of getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Although COVID-19 case rates in the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit remain stable, individuals who have COVID-19 and are pregnant have a higher risk of serious illness resulting in ICU admission or death. Pregnant individuals who contract COVID-19 also have a higher risk of pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure after 20 weeks of pregnancy), cesarean delivery and preterm birth. It is important to speak to your primary health care provider, midwife or OB/GYN to make the best decision for you and your family.
For more information on COVID-19 and the vaccine visit myhealthunit.ca/COVID-19.
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Alex McDermid, Public Relations Specialist
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