Pregnancy + COVID‑19 Vaccines: What’s the Scoop?
On Saturday, 16 Oct, the College of Clinician Scientists (under the Academy of Medicine Singapore) hosted a live‑video Q&A. Expectant moms and curious folks dropped a flurry of questions—pow‑wow style—about whether mRNA shots could “mess with” their little ones and whether a booster is a good idea while juggling a growing belly.
Common Concerns (And Answers)
- Will the vaccine harm the fetus?
The consensus? No. Multiple studies show no increased risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, or congenital problems. Think of it like a gentle guardian—protecting mom and baby without the drama. - Should I get a booster during pregnancy?
Yes—if your doctor says it’s a good fit for your timing and overall health. Boosters keep the shield stronger, especially in areas fighting new variants. Plus, a vaccine today = fewer worries tomorrow. - What’s the timing?
Most experts recommend waiting until the first trimester’s end before getting the initial dose, then the booster when you’re in the second trimester. This syncs with the body’s natural fortification. - Side effects—any alarm bells?
Side effects are usually mild—think sore arm, a gentle fever, or fatigue. Nothing dramatic that would scare a usually calm and composed mom‑to‑be. - How does it compare to flu shots?
The mRNA vaccine is no different in terms of pregnancy safety compared to the flu shot—both are trusted by health authorities.
Bottom Line
If you’re pregnant—or just thinking about it—it’s worth chatting with your healthcare provider. The vaccination plan is tailored to keep both you and your little one safe. It’s less about the scary headline and more about the science that says “all good.” So, pack your confidence like you would a tiny baby blanket: cozy, reassuring, and fully protective.
Q: Why are unvaccinated pregnant women at higher risk of Covid-19 complications?
Why Unvaccinated Pregnant Women Are Extra‑vulnerable in the COVID Era
The Up‑Tucked Lung Problem
When a mom‑to‑be reaches the latter stages of pregnancy, the baby starts a tug‑of‑war inside her body.
Senior consultant Citra Mattar of the National University Hospital’s obstetrics & gynaecology department explains that this mechanical squeeze can spell trouble when the virus sneaks in.
Blood Clots: Not Just a “Happy Birthday” Issue
Pregnancy already ramps up the risk of blood clots—think of them as tiny, unexpected roadblocks.
Add COVID‑19 to the mix, and those risks double or even triple.
Bottom Line
Below are the key takeaways for those wanting to keep the little one safe:
Remember, a healthy pregnancy is a team sport – you and your healthcare team together can keep the risks at bay.
Q: If mummy gets Covid-19, will the baby get it too?
COVID’s “Baby‑Born” Edition: How the virus may hop from mom to neonate
We’ve got the latest numbers from research done last year and up to this year: the chance a pregnant woman passes COVID to her baby is roughly 1‑4%. That sounds small, but the story gets sicker when we look at the Delta variant and the current surge.
Professor Zubair Amin (Neonatology, Khoo Teck Puat – NU Children’s Medical Institute)
“The old statistics might be under‑stating the danger,” Amin explains. “With Delta, the real–world data shows a higher risk than the 1‑4% figure.”
When the baby gets the bad news
- During pregnancy – the virus travels through the placenta.
- At delivery – a direct tear‑in‑the‑air moment during childbirth.
- After birth – breastfeeding or just a hug can let the virus sneak in.
Why parents are on edge
Newborns infected by the virus need intensive care, so babies often go to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). That means mothers might not get to hold their little one for a few days, or even weeks. It’s a hard heartbreak for parents even if the numbers look manageable.
Bottom line: Even if the official risk seems small, the Delta wave might change the game. Stay alert, stay safe, and keep those baby‑care plans flexible.
Q: How would Covid-19 in pregnant women affect newborns?
Newborns & Covid: The Unexpected Twist
When you think about Covid‑19, you probably picture elderly folks in the news and the brave younger generation fighting off the virus. Kids and teens usually shrug off Covid with a sniffle or a mild cough, but tiny newborns—those little bundles of joy that have just learned how to cry—are a different story.
Why the age split matters
- Kids over 5 years old: Typically face low risk of death and mild illness.
- Newborns (0–4 weeks): They’re surprisingly more vulnerable than older children, according to Prof Amin.
What the numbers say (and why it matters)
From the latest data, you’ll find:
- No RSV, no runny nose? Funny luck! Babies can still get mild symptoms—think runny nose and cough—in 40% to 50% of cases.
- For the meaty stuff—breathing trouble and refusing to eat—you’re looking at a risk of 12% to 40%.
The scary list of complications
If a newborn gets the nasty middle and severe cases, doctors identify these potential nightmares:
- Severe pneumonia
- Respiratory distress (panic‑mode breathing)
- Vomiting that’s more “flinging” than feeding
- Diarrhea—yes, even newborns can have tummy troubles.
- Occasional drop in blood counts (like a mini “low blood warning”)
- Collapsed lungs—think of it as a painful lung flatiron.
Expert voices from the frontlines
Associate Professor Thoon Koh Cheng, who heads the infectious‑disease team at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, sums it up: “Newborns face a higher chance of these severe complications.” Even though Prof Thoon didn’t join the recent webinar, his insights shine through in the data.
Bottom line? While kids as a whole are usually a “minor case,” newborns have a hard‑to‑understand but real risk. Keep those tiny ones safe, get them checked, and remember—if you’re feeling down on the stats, a baby’s resilience is one more thing we can admire in this medical world.
Q: How do mRNA vaccine side effects differ for pregnant women?
Vaccinating During Pregnancy? Here’s the Low‑Down
Got a sore arm, a fever, or a headache after a shot? You’re not alone—those are the usual side effects folks get after vaccination. They’re pretty much the same for everyone, even expectant moms.
When to Pause If You’re Already Feeling Like a Wobble Pillow
- If you’ve got severe nausea or feel super unwell or lethargic during pregnancy, it’s best to wait a week or two. Good news: the vaccine can worsen that morning sickness in some cases, so giving yourself a breather can help.
- When you’re feeling a bit more stable, you can go ahead and get vaccinated—there are no special complications tied to timing.
Expert Words from Associate Professor Mahesh Choolani
“You can get vaccinated when you feel more comfortable, but otherwise, there’s no specific complications to getting the vaccination,” says Associate Professor Mahesh Choolani, president of the College of Clinician Scientists.
Bottom line: take it easy if you’re running a fever of nausea, but once you’re feeling better, the shot’s ready and waiting for you—no extra headaches expected, just the usual arm ache that’s quickly forgotten.
Q: Are pregnant women advised to get booster shots?
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Why All Pregnant Moms Should Toss the Booster in Their Kit
Short and sweet: If you’re in your third trimester and have followed the two‑dose plan, there’s no reason to skip the booster. The experts say it keeps the antibody power up.
What the authorities are saying
- Global guidelines now push for a boost for all fully vaccinated pregnant women.
- In the local context, anyone 30 plus who’s had their second shot more than six months ago is on the invitation list.
- Scientific reports show that the high‑level antibodies from vaccinated moms can travel through the placenta and even the breastmilk to safeguard the newborn.
Prof Tan Lay Kok’s Take
Associate Professor Tan, the big boss of maternal‑fetal medicine at KKH, summed it up: “Don’t worry, the booster’s all good. It simply boosts or maintains the antibody levels. If you’re eligible, jump on it.”
Bottom line
So, if you’re one of the eligible 30‑plus who’s cleared the first two shots, grab that booster with gusto. Not only does it keep your health in check, but it also extends a protective shield to your little one.
Original piece first appeared in The Straits Times. For reproduction, a permit is required.
