Director of Obstetrics at Griffith Base Hospital, Dr Sivara Navaneethan wants to dispel any confusion or fear surrounding vaccination for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.
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According to Dr Navaneethan the vaccine uptake has been slow for expectant mums and it's a cause for concern as the risk of serious health complications from COVID-19 was significantly higher for pregnant women.
"In pregnancy the immunity is altered, so pregnant women are much more prone to be infected with diseases such as COVID-19," Dr Navaneethan said.
Pregnant women are classified as moderate to high risk for a multitude of reasons and are currently recommended the Pfizer vaccine.
"During pregnancy the baby bump occupies the tummy and presses up into the chest so the lung capacity is less, meaning that ventilation if needed for serious COVID-19 cases would be extremely difficult," Dr Navaneethan said.
By looking at globally available data, Dr Navaneethan noted that pregnant women are 22 times more likely to die if they contract COVID-19 and whilst two-thirds of those patients will not have serious symptoms, there are other complications that can arise.
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"Even in this two thirds there is an increased risk of pre-eclampsia during pregnancy, it also means that a natural birth is very unlikely and the incidence for for Caesarean section is much higher," Dr Navaneethan said.
"If an expecting mum contracts COVID-19, the risk of pre-term labour is also doubled, as is the chance of still birth, with the odds of needing to go to intensive care for treatment five times higher."
Breastfeeding mums are also set to benefit through vaccination, as the antibodies contained in the vaccine will protect their babies through the ingestion of breastmilk.
"Pfizer is very safe and will increase the immunity of both mum and baby both during and after pregnancy," Dr Navaneethan said.
"We must act wisely based on the available data, getting vaccinated won't harm you or your baby but contracting COVID-19 will.
"It is important to make informed decision and use reliable sources and not social media and heresy evidence in relation to the health of yourself and your baby."
Griffith Base Hospital is currently placing a special priority on pregnant mums in the local community for vaccination and are encouraged to call 6969 5555 to book in an appointment.
More information about vaccination against COVID-19 for pregnant or breastfeeding mums can be found here.
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