Really need advice please

[Shanim]

Hi all,
I need some advice as a first time mum being pregnant during COVID
I had my first jab in January and fell pregnant in February. The advise then was to hold off on having the jab until I gave birth which I was ok with and have not have my second dose. My midwife now keeps asking me why I haven’t had my second and I should regardless that it has been 8 months roughly from the first. My gp also states that I should have it and the pregnancy advise line so I booked it up. I’m still seriously on the fence just because I don’t know what’s best for my baby and of course I don’t want any harm to come to him and I know that healthcare professional will tell me to get it because that’s the advice that they have been told. I know the risks if I get COVID as I am in my third trimester, 30 weeks on Monday but they vaccination people won’t do it without a letter from the gp which raises some concerns for me. Why would they need a letter if it’s ok?
I have to wait for my dr to call me today and wait longer for the letter. Then I need to book this back up which will be longer I just honestly don’t know what’s for the best. I feel like any way I go it’s a loose situation because of the risks. I just don’t want to put my baby in harm. I don’t know if I should or shouldn’t have it.

I volunteer at a vaccination centre, and one of the vaccinators is pregnant and has chosen to have her jabs. That is best assurance we can give to any pregnant women who come along.

I've had both my vaccines while pregnant ( 1st I didn't know I was) I've had no issues with the vaccine. Thought strange u have to get a letter form ur GP. I didn't need that. But based on evidence and talking with my friends and family who are nurses, and GPS I was happy to get it.

I would listen to your gut and wait. Just because some other woman has made a different decision doesn't mean you have to. I've been in a similar situation with something else - it felt like bullying from my doctor. I absolutely agree that this is an unknown. Tell them your decision and they should respect it. You've not long to wait and it's not worth the worry.

Get the letter from the gp and then go to a drop in. I work in the nhs. Third trimester women are at high risk and there is about to be a surge with schools going back and autumn starting. Get the jab and be very careful in terms of public contact.

If it helps to look at another country’s approach - Ireland have just announced vaccinating pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy based on data they have reviewed - this article is quite helpful

www.google.co.uk/amp/s/amp.rte.ie/amp/1244185/

Also, if you’re worried about having to rebook most sites I know of (in England) are taking walk ins.

Pregnant and recently pregnant women are overrepresented in the ICU.

www.wkrn.com/news/record-number-of-pregnant-women-admitted-to-icu-at-vanderbilt/

Thank you all I really appreciate it! The fact that it’s been 8 months between, I know no one knows because it hasn’t been trialled for that length gap but would the be a concern?

Here the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology advice: www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/coronavirus-covid-19-pregnancy-and-womens-health/covid-19-vaccines-and-pregnancy/covid-19-vaccines-pregnancy-and-breastfeeding/

Did the vaccination centre not tell you what they wanted a letter for?

I don’t work in the NHS but I suspect that it’s the length of time between doses causing issues rather than your pregnancy. You should definitely have it if you want to but I’m not sure if you will be considered fully vaccinated at that length of time between injections. Maybe they can’t count it as your second dose?

Those are all questions for your GP/midwife though. It’s a shame the timing has worked out that you’ve been caught up in the rapidly changing advice for pregnant women.

I would get the vaccination but I understand your concerns. I had to be hospitalised when 34 weeks pregnant due to a severe chest infection- it was absolutely awful for me but 5 long weeks of medication and I was fine. So was baby. All I’m saying pneumonia when heavily pregnant is absolute hell. Good luck!

If you're at all concerned then I would hold off. Millions of women had healthy babies last year before the vaccine was available, many many of whom would have had covid too.

Thank you all for the advise! I’ve just read the royal college of obstetrician and gynaecology advise from a lovely person above who suggested it and it states that I should have it before my third trimester. Is this just because the third trimester is the most dangerous to get COVID or because I shouldn’t have it in my third? Sorry to keep asking questions I just really want to make sure I know everything before I decide

The RCOG article states it’s safe at any time of pregnancy but recommend it before third trimester because third trimester is most dangerous time to have Covid when pregnant.

Best to ask your GP/midwife these queries now you’ve had some good articles linked, someone with knowledge/you trust will be better help.

You absolutely can have it in third trimester. That's the point where we see most hospitalisations which is why they are mentioning it. Covid is a serious threat for pregnant women.