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Is it Safe to Get a COVID-19 Vaccine During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding?
It’s been more than a year since the COVID-19 outbreak. The year 2020 introduced us to words like social distancing, pandemic, lockdown, and new normal. While living with the fear of the novel coronavirus, we were all waiting for the scientists to say, ‘The vaccine is here!’
Video : Is COVID-19 Vaccine Safe While Pregnant or Breastfeeding?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNCynnkN8iU
Now that the COVID-19 vaccine is invented, it has given us hope. Although we’re learning something new about the COVID-19 vaccine each day, it is safe and effective. Yes, the vaccine does have some side effects like any other vaccine, but it has proven effective so far.
However, it’s not for everyone, at least not yet. If you’re pregnant (or trying to conceive) or breastfeeding, you’ll want to learn about the efficacy of the vaccine and whether or not you should get vaccinated.
Can a Pregnant Woman Get COVID-19 Vaccine?
Pregnancy or breastfeeding should not stop you from getting the COVID-19 vaccine, but you must check with your healthcare provider about receiving the vaccine before you decide to get vaccinated. Moreover, since COVID-19 vaccines are available in limited quantities, each state and country has a different rollout system. Some states in the US are administering the vaccine to those who’ve some underlying condition (pregnant women included). Some states are vaccinating the elderly first. In other states, people are getting vaccinated based on their occupation. If you’re a working professional, you can check your home state’s health department website to see if you qualify for it. In case you do, you must get the vaccine, only if your doctor gives you a go-ahead.
In India, healthcare workers were vaccinated first, followed by frontline and municipal workers. At present, people who are above 60 years of age, and people between the ages of 45 and 59 years with comorbidities are being administered the vaccine. Soon people between the ages of 45 and 59 years will be eligible for vaccination, whether or not they have any health condition.
You can check if you’re eligible for the vaccine on the health department website of your country. In case you are, you must get vaccinated, only if your doctor gives you a go-ahead.
Is COVID-19 Vaccine Safe While Pregnant or Breastfeeding?
As the information around the COVID-19 vaccine is evolving rapidly, we reiterate that checking with a doctor about a vaccine’s efficacy is a MUST during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Although all COVID-19 vaccines have proven to be safe and effective for people who are not pregnant, it cannot be said for sure that these vaccines would prove to be safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Clinical trials are still being conducted to check for the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy.
That said, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the mRNA vaccines do not contain the live virus that causes COVID-19, and should not give someone COVID-19. But if you’re eligible to receive the vaccination, you should check with your doctor if you should get it.
As the risks and effects of the mRNA vaccine on pregnant women and the foetus are unknown due to a lack of studies and proper research, your doctor may advise against getting vaccinated.
What Should You Consider About COVID-19 Vaccine If You're Pregnant?
If you’re eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in your home state, there are certain questions you should ask yourself and your healthcare provider before you take the shot.
Check if you should get vaccinated when you’re eligible for the vaccine, and as soon as it is available.
You might need the vaccine at the earliest if you’re at risk of exposure to COVID-19 from your family members or other close friends. In case of a complicated pregnancy, testing positive for coronavirus may further affect your health, and getting vaccinated would be a wise option.
Ask if you should wait to get vaccinated until after you give birth to your baby.
Waiting until childbirth can be a safe option for you if yours isn’t a complicated pregnancy, and if you can limit your exposure to the outside world by social distancing, and by following precautionary measures such as washing hands, using sanitisers, wearing masks, etc.
Check if you should consider limiting your exposure to COVID-19 so that you can delay getting the vaccine.
If there are some risk factors and uncontrolled exposure, you can check with your doctor about what you can do to minimise exposure. The vaccine should be delayed vaccination until the second trimester, as by this time the risk of miscarriage will reduce. As per the recent updates given by the RCPI, the vaccine can be administered after 14 weeks of pregnancy. You can check with your doctor about what precautions you should follow so that you can defer getting vaccinated until the baby is born.
What You Should Know About COVID-19 Vaccine If You're Breastfeeding
If you’re a breastfeeding mother considering getting the COVID-19 vaccination, you can get the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine as it is safe for breastfeeding moms. Here's something that will reassure you about this vaccine.
As mRNA vaccine does not contain live virus, it won’t give you or your baby COVID-19. The components of the vaccine are not known to harm the breastfed babies.
When the vaccine is administered, the small particles of the mRNA vaccine are used up the muscle cells at the injection site and are less likely to reach breast milk. If any small particle does reach, it will be digested.
When you get vaccinated, your immune system will produce antibodies that fight COVID-19. These antibodies can pass to the baby through breast milk and can protect the baby from COVID-19.
The viral vector vaccine which isn't presently available in India, but available in other parts of the world can be administered to pregnant women, as well as, breastfeeding mothers as it is of a non-replicating kind.
Can Infants and Kids Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?
The first vaccine authorised for emergency use by the FDA is for 16-year-olds and above. The other two vaccines approved by the FDA are safe to use for 18 years of age and above. So infants and young children cannot be vaccinated yet.
Clinical trials in kids are underway, but it can take months for babies and young children to get vaccinated. At present, the World Health Organisation does not recommend the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine to children below 16 years of age, even if they belong to a high-risk group.
Does COVID-19 Vaccine Affect Fertility?
Many women are considering to defer the COVID vaccine due to the misinformation, about the vaccine causing infertility, making rounds on the internet. But there’s no scientific evidence to date to confirm that COVID vaccines cause infertility.
The rollout of the COVID vaccine can help us fight the battle against coronavirus, and one must not spread false information or believe in it. If you have any questions about the vaccine affecting fertility levels, speak to your doctor; the information provided by a medical professional will put your mind at ease.
Can a Baby Be Born With Antibodies If the Mother Has Been Vaccinated During Pregnancy?
While the research on this subject is still on, the recent news of a baby being born with antibodies to a mother who was vaccinated during pregnancy has given us hope.
Paul Gilbert and Chad Rudnick from Florida Atlantic University presented an article on this with their observations, which is yet to be studied further by other experts. As per their study, the mother was administered the first dose of the Moderna mRNA vaccine at 36 weeks and 3 days of her gestation period. She gave birth to a healthy, full-term baby, whose blood sample revealed the presence of antibodies against the novel coronavirus. This certainly is a sign of hope, but one case is not enough to confirm if babies would be born with antibodies if their mothers were vaccinated while pregnant. More research is needed to confirm whether or not the babies born to mothers who are vaccinated during pregnancy will be born with antibodies against the coronavirus, and if yes, then to quantify the response of antibodies.
FAQs
1. What If I Find Out That I am Pregnant After Getting Vaccinated for COVID-19?
If you find out about your pregnancy after getting the first dose of the vaccine, you should wait for the second dose until you have had your baby, unless you are frontline healthcare or social worker. If you received the vaccine before finding out you are pregnant, you need not worry as the risk of the vaccine causing any harm to your baby is low.
If you find about your pregnancy after receiving the first dose of the vaccine, you should speak with your doctor about the same. As per the RCPI, the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine should be administered within 33 weeks of pregnancy, if the first vaccine is administered.
2. How to Decide When to Get Vaccinated During Pregnancy?
You know the answer to this: speak to your gynaecologist to know when would be the ideal time to get vaccinated, i.e., if you’re considering getting vaccination while pregnant.
Your doctor will most likely suggest that you get vaccinated after your first trimester, as the risk of natural miscarriage subsides by this time. Your doctor will also consider other factors such as your health, the environment you’re living in, and your occupation before advising you on the same.
3. If I Have Been Administered Any Vaccine During Pregnancy, Should I Wait to Get the Coronavirus Vaccine?
The CDC recommends scheduling the COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days before or after any other vaccination to minimise the chances of complications that may arise due to receiving two or more vaccines simultaneously. A better and wiser option would be consulting your doctor about the best timing for scheduling the COVID-19 vaccine.
4. What If I Become Pregnant Between the First and Second Doses?
If you get pregnant after you’ve received the first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine, you can wait for the second dose until you’ve delivered your baby or you can get it during pregnancy. Speak to your doctor to know what’s best for you.
With so much information and misinformation circulating about the COVID-19 vaccine, it’s natural to have questions and concerns about getting vaccinated, especially, when you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and there’s a life that depends on you. As the trials are still on, we will learn something new about the efficacy, side effects, and possible risks of the vaccine each day.
Unless you’re confident about getting the vaccine, take the necessary precautions to keep yourself safe. If you do want to get vaccinated, again, we recommend that you check with your doctor and decide what would work best for you and your growing baby.
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Tracking Toddler Development from 15 to 18 Months
Every day is a new developmental milestone for toddlers. You will realize that he is growing up every single day. The pace of development is different for every child. At 15 months your child can walk, climb, jump and explore on his own. Therefore, it is recommended that you should not leave your child unattended even for brief periods of time.
Physical Development
You need to check on your toddler’s physical development in terms of being able to stand on his own without support. He should be able to walk well around 18 months, if not it is advisable to seek medical help. You may notice your child trying to kick anything that comes in his way, and he will be very excited to do it. He should be able to do a little dance to music. By this time, your child also learns to hold a spoon or a fork. His favourite hobby can be scribbling on the wall; however you could provide him with a board to encourage his feat. Let your baby grasp a ball or a fruit, let him pick up small crumbs from the ground on his own. Teach him to build blocks and check his responses, you may notice that he loves playing with colourful blocks.
Language Development
Your child should be able to speak a little more than ‘Papa’ and ‘Dada’. You will see an increase in his vocabulary now. He should be able to use 5-6 words in everyday conversations. He should be able to understand a single instruction at a time. You will realize that now he associates the word ‘mom’ with you. A few toddlers can imitate and sing as well, and they can recognize their favourite songs.
Emotional Development
He will start feeling possessive of his toys now and may use words like ‘me’ or ‘mine’. The child may flare at any small thing because he is trying to adjust with the social norms. His confidence and self – esteem are growing because of which he is trying to be more independent each day. He might throw a fit at you, but do not react aggressively. You need to control your temper and refrain from yelling and spanking, even if you have repeatedly explained something
When to Seek Help
You may consult a doctor if your child:
Does not make eye contact with you or enjoy playing with you.
Does not speak anything till 15 months
Does not show hand movements like waving or twinkling
Has trouble seeing or hearing things
Does not walk by himself
Uses one hand much more than the other
Every time that you see your child reaching a milestone, make sure you appreciate him. Remember children learn by appreciating. Physical and emotional development at this age is very fast and you should be able to see changes in your baby as he grows. Only if you see your child not responding to your communication regularly, you may consult your medical practitioner. Some children can be slow during this time, but they will catch up very soon. Read more
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Should You Play Sports during Pregnancy?
Playing a sport is beneficial for all. You can even play sports during pregnancy, provided you choose a sport considering your health status. Participating in light sports will prove to be good during pregnancy, however, it is suggested that you seek your doctor's approval before engaging in any sport or physical activity.
Benefits of Playing Sport While Pregnant
Sports can do a lot of good for your health. Here are some benefits of playing sports during pregnancy.
Engaging in sports activities can prevent you from gaining excess weight.
It decreases the risk of gestational diabetes.
It reduces the risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension.
Playing sports can help reduce stress, anxiety and morning sickness.
Engaging in sports activities also improves mood, sleep, image, and self-esteem.
Sports help increase energy levels and blood circulation.
It reduces constipation and bloating.
It helps reduce the incidences of lower back pain.
It reduces labour time.
Why Is it Important to Be Extra Careful While Playing Sports in Pregnancy?
Pregnancy brings in hormonal and bodily changes that interfere with your ability to engage in certain activities and sports. As your bump grows, the centre of gravity for your body changes and the ligaments in your pelvic area begin to loosen up. These impose the risk of fall and injury if met with jerks. Therefore, you should cautiously choose a sport that does not harm you and your baby.
Medical Conditions That May Affect Pregnant Woman While Playing Sports
It is best to consult your gynaecologist before playing any sport. There is no harm in playing sports to maintain your fitness during pregnancy. However, you should be aware of the possible consequences that may affect you depending on your health and pregnancy. You should refrain from undergoing physical strain in the following situations mentioned below.
If you have bone and joint problems.
If you have pregnancy-related issues like incompetent cervix, placenta previa or hypertension.
If you are carrying twins or triplets.
If you have problems related to the heart, lungs, or liver.
If you are anaemic, underweight, or obese.
Sport and Fitness Level during Pregnancy
The fitness level to follow during pregnancy depends on your physical activity before conceiving. If you are usually an active person and have a healthy uncomplicated pregnancy, you may continue with your sport. But remember to not get too worked up. And if you are a laid-back person who has been inactive and wants to start new, it’s better to take it slow and go for an easy sport. It is recommended that you start with 15 minutes per session and gradually build up to 30 minutes of your game.
Which Sport to Avoid while Pregnant?
You should avoid any high-impact sport that has heightened the risk of falling or collision and the below-stated risks.
1. Sports Involving the Risk of Falling and Hitting Your Womb
Do not participate or play sports which are risky. Sports in which you can fall flat on your stomach or cause you to be hit on your bump should be avoided at all costs. Some of the sports include downhill skiing, football, basketball, rugby, and squash.
2. High Altitudes or Diving Sports
High altitudes or diving sports are not recommended for you as these can put your baby at risk and make you ill because of the changes in oxygen levels. These include scuba diving and mountaineering.
3. Involves lots of Jumping or Bouncing
Sports that involve lots of bouncing movements are considered unsafe and should be avoided, like horse riding, surfing, volleyball, and similar.
4. Involves Sudden Twists and Turns of Your Body
Certain sports such as ice hockey, tennis, kickboxing require sudden shifts in your body positions. These jerks can have a negative impact on your loosened ligaments and hence, should be avoided.
Sports and Stages of Pregnancy
You should select your sport depending on how healthy your pregnancy is. Besides, you may need to alter your sports regime as your pregnancy advances, to meet with the demands of your pregnant body.
1. First Trimester
You must consider playing specific sports during the first trimester of pregnancy to prevent your body from overheating. Apart from that keep the following things in mind.
Avoid playing in hot & humid temperature.
Wear loose and comfortable clothes.
Drink water to keep hydrated.
2. Second and Third Trimester
In the second and third trimester of your pregnancy, following are the things you should bear in mind while playing sports.
As your weight increases in these trimesters, it will make you vulnerable to lose your balance, so as a precautionary measure you should stop playing if you feel unsteady.
Your ligaments may also loosen, increasing the risk of ligament injury. As a precaution, avoid activities involving heavy weights, sudden movements, twists and turns.
Your blood pressure will also lower so move slowly to avoid dizziness.
Which Sport Is Recommended for Pregnant Women?
Water activities such as swimming and water aerobics are safe and fun during pregnancy. It’s the best pregnancy sport as it won’t make you fall, and all your muscles get worked out with no risk of overheating your body. It will even help in alleviating the symptoms of back pain and swelling in the leg. Activities that take the below points into consideration can be observed as safe sports during pregnancy.
Games or sports that have a minimal chance of you falling are best during pregnancy.
Games and sports in which you can stand straight.
Sports and activities in which your weight is supported and do not put you off-balance.
Playing sports has more benefits than disadvantages during pregnancy. You can consider playing a sport to maintain a healthy weight gain during your pregnancy. Make sure to choose the sport that poses minimal risk to your health and pregnancy to avoid future complications. Play safe to avoid any injury, fall or ligament damage, and you can keep strong and fit throughout your pregnancy.
Also Read: Is Running Safe during Pregnancy? Read more
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15 Funny Elf On The Shelf Ideas With Pictures
There are elves and gnomes and snowmen on the way. Santa too is coming up on his sleigh. It's almost Christmas, ladies! How 'bout adding a dash of magic to your place by hiding Christmas characters around your home? You'll love doing this and so will the kids!
If you're wondering what is the elf on a shelf tradition, be prepared to be delighted with this little story. The tradition started off with the book “The Elf on the Shelf” which told us about Santa’s scout elves, who are Santa’s eyes and ears at children’s homes the world over. They ensure that the little ones are geared up for Christmas and look forward to a gala time!
Here are some brilliant ideas to place your elves on the shelves so strategically that you'll want them to remain long after Christmas is over. What's even better is that the elves are accompanied by snowmen, Santa and gnomes too!
Look, Elves and Snowman on the Shelf!
1. Elfie Dear is actually Hiding in your Little One's Block Set.
Why is this elf playing with blocks? Maybe he wants you to put together a M-E-R-R-Y C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S!
2. We help Little Children study Harder!
These snowmen in the study will make sure your kid's holiday homework gets done on time. A double whammy in the list of places to hide elf on the shelf!
3. We want Books on Christmas!
These little snowmen are quite the readers.
4. This Elf is Sitting in your Store-Room, Hiding under a Big Hood.
We wonder why he's hiding...wait, did the cookie jar just crash?!
5. A Little Fairy is Home and She's let the Lights in your Balcony Glowing!
Don't they look exactly like golden stars up in the sky?
6. The Mittens are in the Cupboard, Darlin'
...wait, who could be hiding in them but cute little elves!
7. Sleighing, Skiing, Gossiping!
These snowmen are enjoying themselves outside your window.
8. Look out the Window!
These elves want to come inside and warm their toes near the fireplace. One of the most brilliant new ideas for elf on the shelf!
9. Hey, Santa is Home and Waiting at your Doorstep!
Open the door and he will flood your place with gifts and laughter.
10. Melting in your Love!
All that this marshmallow snowman wants for Christmas is a cup of hot chocolate in your dining room.
11. Snowmen get Hungry too!
This one decided to get into the lunch-box.
12. Santa and Snowman are Having a Gala Time atop your Child's Toy Train Set.
They're probably off to the Pole to get some more presents from the workshop.
13. I'll wake you up on Christmas – says this Jolly Snowman.
Your alarm clock on the mantelpiece just got a best friend.
14. Is that a Clothes-Stand in your Bedroom or is it Santa Camouflaged?
Guess we'll never know, will we? Perhaps reindeer came along and whisked Santa away while you were putting up Rudolph the red nosed reindeer Christmas decorations!
15. This is probably Santa's Favorite Place.
The Christmas tree where he hides as an ornament and watches everyone merry and joyous!
Where is your elf hiding this year? Watch out for the hullabaloo he is likely to rake up together with the kids! Read more
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Rashmi has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
7 hours ago
Q. Hi, are matte sunscreens suitable for oily skin? I am a new mother and I have to join office after my maternity leave, please suggest me a good one.
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
6 hours ago
A. Cetaphil SPF 50 sunscreen lotion is going to be a very good choice for you to use for your skin it’s one of the best things that you can currently use and I’m very certain it is going to be good for your skin options also otherwise if you want you can try consulting a dermatologist for that
Anu Sharma has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
5 hours ago
Q. can i use pain relief spray at time of pregancy
Anu Sharma
Mom of a 1 yr old boy
4 hours ago
A. yes
Anu Sharma has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. hi iam 13th week pregnant my mind is completely in pressure stress and I cried alott does this affect my baby or baby growth
Anu Sharma
Mom of a 1 yr old boy
4 hours ago
A. yes. mood swings are normal
Rashmi has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 8 m old child
5 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts 300 vochure
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
5 hours ago
A. If you have any question concerning the parenting platform then please feel free to post your question once I know what are you willing to ask with all the necessary details associated it will be easier for me to give you appropriate help and response onto your question
Rashmi has added a new answer
Mom of a 9 m old child
5 hours ago
Q. My daughter (9months old) is not at all willing to drink aptamil and breast milk I am getting only 100 ml per day now. I have tried adding jaggery powder in aptamil but still she is not at all willing to drink.I tried to feed her with aptamil midnight when she was in deep sleep but still she woke up and started crying. I am not able to find any solution for this.Its been 2 days that I have started trying aptamil.So I will continue to try for another week and if she still doesn't drink can you suggest what can be done
Read moreRashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
4 hours ago
A. For yourself I would recommend you Shatavari powder three times in the day to increase your lactation other than that since your child is six months complete you can give Amul Taaza milk to your child that is easier for the childhood digest and flavour is also good even if you want you can add some dry fruit powder saffron or turmeric for flavour change that’s also a good option to try these alternative
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 5 m old child
3 hours ago
Q. after delivey back pain is normal???
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. If there is back pain you have to maintain a proper posture take a healthy diet and also do some regular exercise specially back extension exercises to strengthen muscles also you can take calcium and iron supplements suggested by yohur doctor imf still you are having weakness and other symptoms it needs a proper assessment
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