New Delhi: In a fresh set of guidelines, the Union health ministry has clarified the concerns about Covid-19 vaccination to pregnant women and said that pregnancy does not increase the risk of infection.
While stating that the infection in pregnant women will be asymptomatic or have mild symptoms, it is important to take precautions as the condition may deteriorate.
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All pregnant women need to register themselves on CoWINportal or may get themselves registered on-site at COVID-19 vaccination centre, suggested the Union Ministry of Health.
"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 clarified in a statement on Monday.
Can pregnant women take Covid-19 vaccines?
According to the ministry, the available Covid-19 vaccines are said to be safe and vaccination will offer protection to pregnant women against the infection.
Just like any medicine, a vaccine may have exhibit mild side effects such as a mild fever, pain at the injection site or discomfort for 1-3 days. However, the long-term adverse effects and safety of the vaccine on foetus and the child is still not established.
What are symptoms experienced in pregnant women?
Very rarely (one in 100,000-500,000), pregnant women may experience some of the following symptoms within 20 days after getting the Covid-19 vaccination which may require immediate attention, the ministry stated.
What is the recovery rate of Covid-19 positive mothers?
If a pregnant woman gets infected with the virus, 90 per cent of them recover without any need for hospitalisation, while it can also cause rapid deterioration in health in a few cases.
In case of a symptomatic pregnant women, there may be an increased risk of severe conditions, and like 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.
How does it impact the health of newborns of Covid-19 positive mothers?
Addressing the concerns around the baby's health, the ministry said that more than 95 per cent of newborns of Covid-19 positive mothers have remained in good condition at birth. It mentioned that in some cases, infections in pregnancy may increase the possibility of a premature delivery. the baby's weight might be less than 2.5kg and in rare situations and might die before birth.
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.