Question 1: I work in healthcare and received the first dose of COVID vaccine. But after receiving the shot, I found out I was pregnant. I changed jobs so that I am not at significant risk anymore. Should I get the second shot? Question 2: I’m pumping and supposed to get the COVID vaccine. I know there isn't much to say on the COVID vaccine but wondering if you would recommend getting it or not? These are just a sample of the questions that we have received from …
The Baby Blog: Infections & Vaccines
Ho, Ho, Ho, Who Wouldn’t Go? Holiday Travel in the Time of COVID-19
Chelsea’s chat came through late on a Wednesday afternoon: “Hi, I’m 23 weeks pregnant and have plans to visit my family in a different state this holiday season. My sister just had a baby and is breastfeeding, and my grandparents will also be there, so I want to be as safe as possible with COVID-19 still spreading. What do you think I should do?” With Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa all quickly approaching, questions like this are coming into our chat service more frequently. …
Pregnant & the Flu Vaccine? Why It’s More Important Than Ever during the COVID-19 Pandemic
“I just found out I am pregnant. I’ve heard that it is really important to get the flu shot this fall, but is it still OK now that I am pregnant?” The woman on the other end of the phone line sounded cautious and concerned. I told her, “I’m so glad you called to ask about this. The influenza vaccination may be even more important for pregnant women. The coronavirus pandemic has given us a lot to worry about without adding influenza infections to the mix. Let …
Beyond the Virus: Your Questions during the Era of COVID-19
As the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 continues to spread, pregnant and breastfeeding women are understandably concerned. Many of your recent calls, chats, texts, and emails to MotherToBaby have been about the virus itself and how it might affect a developing baby or breastfed infant (more about that on our COVID-19 fact sheet). But we’re also hearing related concerns about how to stay safe and healthy while pregnant or breastfeeding during the pandemic. Here, we answer some of the most common …
The Return of Measles
By Kirstie Perrotta, MPH, MotherToBaby California As if pregnant women don’t have enough to worry about, a once eradicated infectious disease is back and making headlines: Measles. Not even half way through 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently announced that the number of measles cases in the United States (U.S.) has surpassed 700, the highest number ever reported since the disease was eliminated from this country in 2000. Cases have been reported in states across …
