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Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Covid Vaccine at 27 Weeks - what to do?!

242 replies

MintGreenLife · 05/05/2021 16:37

I was called by my GP today to say they have been instructed to offer the jab to all pregnant patients. I'm 27+3 today, so just about to enter the third trimester when it's suggested that you can suffer more serious illness with Covid. I'm due on the 1st of August.

I am completely torn about what to do. On the one hand knowing I have some protection against covid and that maybe the baby would have some protection too would be a real weight off my mind, but at the same time, how on earth can I be sure that having the jab might not have long term implications for baby, surely there is no way of knowing?!

I work from home, get click and collect for food shop, order most things online. Have been meeting up with family outdoors since it's been allowed, in laws are jabbed. Only main concern at the moment is my SIL is expecting and due in 2 weeks, and so main possible risk would be from DH holding his new niece/nephew, who may very well be held by lots of other people! I myself have no underlying health conditions, normal BMI etc. This is my first baby.

Would love to know what everyone else is thinking/will be doing?!

OP posts:
Flittingaboutagain · 06/05/2021 09:47

Had mine.

Look up Pregnant then Screwed RCOG webinar from April. All the experts were there doing a live Q&A with MP Stella Creasy. Make your decision after hearing them.

Sparkl · 06/05/2021 09:56

Thanks for the thread OP, I am also wondering whether to take the vaccine.

This issue is being reported in Ireland

www.irishtimes.com/news/health/covid-19-guidelines-for-pregnant-women-to-be-updated-1.4535500?mode=amp

(Hopefully that link works.)

It’s making me more inclined to take the vaccine when offered but it’s a hard decision. I also have a child in nursery so can’t isolate.

Original poster
MintGreenLife · 06/05/2021 09:59

@Flittingaboutagain thanks, I have already watched it. It did sway me towards having it a little bit, but would like to find information that backs up what's being said, for example it was mentioned that the jab doesn't cross the placenta, but can't seem to find that stated anywhere else.

@Sparkl no probs :) thanks for joining. I will have a look at the link. It's a really tough decision. I decided last night I would call my GP this morn to book, and then do as much research as I could in the meantime, but now I'm dithering again!

OP posts:
Allicit · 06/05/2021 10:45

@MintGreenLife I’m in same position as you. Been offered but can’t decide. Every rational part of me is screaming to get it and that tiny little irrational part of me that has never had a baby before is terrified and so I go back and forth also! It doesn’t help my partner feels the same way and we are both usually far more rational. If it helps the placenta thing is what it may come down to for me and it says:

mRNA particles used in the vaccine are eliminated by our bodies within hours or days, so these particles are unlikely to reach or cross the placenta.

I found this through the Harvard information which can be read here: www.health.harvard.edu/blog/wondering-about-covid-19-vaccines-if-youre-pregnant-or-breastfeeding-2021010721722

Original poster
MintGreenLife · 06/05/2021 10:45

I've booked my jab for in 10 days time. Gives me plenty of time to decide if it's the right thing for me. Feel relieved to have booked it to be honest!

OP posts:
Allicit · 06/05/2021 10:45

So should mention I am 23 weeks but still dithering

Original poster
MintGreenLife · 06/05/2021 10:47

@Allicit it's a horrible decision to make to be honest. I'm the same as you - I'm going round and round in circles.

As I said above I have booked my jab for in 10 days time and will use that time to make a final decision. Thanks so much for the link, it's the fact that it 'should' be eliminated by our bodies and therefore 'shouldn't' cross the placenta that freaks me out. I wish it was more black and white x

OP posts:
Allicit · 06/05/2021 10:52

@MintGreenLife yeah I get that, me too! Good luck x

Original poster
MintGreenLife · 06/05/2021 10:56

@Allicit thanks, you too :)

OP posts:
EmbarrassingMama · 06/05/2021 11:38

I'm 20 weeks and was offered the vaccine about 6 weeks ago when it wasn't advised. Since the guidance has changed I've been back and forth but on the balance of risk I'm going for it. The stories of women contracting Covid in the third trimester are devastating.

I've found it really difficult to find out how to get the Pfizer, though! GP told me to call 119 and 119 told me to call the GP. I've eventually been referred to the local hospital but no idea how long that will take!

Anyone else struggled to get one of the recommended vaccines?

Original poster
MintGreenLife · 06/05/2021 13:54

@EmbarrassingMama sorry to hear you’re struggling to get the right jab, it’s these kind of situations that make me feel like I should take up the offer. I’ve got 10 days until my appointment to do as much research as I can. Hope you manage to get to the bottom of things soon!

OP posts:
MyBabyBoyBlue · 06/05/2021 14:11

@EmbarrassingMama I spoke to my GP this morning, they said when they refer you to a specific hospital the hospital then has to wait until they have a certain number of referrals before they can order the Pfizer in. I was told to expect a 2 week wait from the date of my referral to the date of jab. However, they did say that most of the mass vaccination centres have AZ but also a small stock of Moderna set aside for those who can't have the AZ. They can't guarantee it on the day depending on who shows up, but apparently this is how they're being set up. Hope that helps!

Original poster
MintGreenLife · 06/05/2021 14:28

@MyBabyBoyBlue it’s interesting how it’s handled differently everywhere. I’m going to a pop up vaccination centre that have days where they specifically offer Pfizer. That won’t stop me triple checking that’s definitely what I’m being given though!

OP posts:
sky181 · 09/05/2021 08:21

I have been having a really hard time with this one. I live in an area where there has been a surge in cases and the government has now opened up vaccines to anyone over 16 in this area. I just received my letter to get the Pfizer vaccine on Wednesday, I will be 24 weeks pregnant at the time. I had originally decided to wait until after the baby was born to take the vaccine as cases were low, but now I feel like the risk of catching covid is much greater, so much so that the government is taking such a drastic step. I have also seen first hand how devastating Covid is as my mum died after catching covid 2 months ago, at 56 years old.

BabyC21 · 09/05/2021 08:30

I’m 3 day’s post my second dose and feeling great. I had my first dose at 22 weeks and my second dose at 26 weeks. Baby is kicking away so he seems happy enough. I know you are worried about long term effects and honest answer, nobody knows. However I am also 32 (but I am high risk so that made my decision a little easier) but the studies are showing that it’s better to get it than not. Also they are showing that baby receives some immunity, that alone makes me feel better about when he arrives, otherwise I’m sure I wouldn’t be allowing anyone to hold him.

Smurf123 · 09/05/2021 09:35

@BabyC21 did you get Pfizer? Where are you that you got the second dose 4 weeks after the first??
I'm due to get my first dose today.. I was hoping I could ask them could they bring my second dose forward - they automatically book it for 10 weeks after first where I am. But that will have me at 37.5 weeks and bearing in mind I ds was born at exactly 37 weeks id quite like to have the second a week or 2 before that point just in case

Daffodil21 · 09/05/2021 09:57

@sky181 exactly the same situation here! Sudden surge in cases so government have stepped in and fast tracked everyone. I got my letter yesterday, also with an appointment on Wednesday and I still have no idea what I'm going to do!!

I'm so sorry to hear about your mum. That's awful x

Daffodil21 · 09/05/2021 09:58

@MintGreenLife have you decided yet? (Hello again ☺️ glad to see everything is going well!)

els10 · 09/05/2021 10:01

Been offered Pfizer and won't be having it. In my opinion this vaccine hasn't been around long enough to see the lasting effects on babies once born. I won't be risking my child, but being cautious with what I do over the next few months.

Original poster
MintGreenLife · 09/05/2021 10:11

@sky181 I’m so sorry to hear about your mum. I’m still on the fence and only have five days until my appointment 😥

@BabyC21 glad to hear you’re feeling well and baby is active. I think that’s one of the things that’s throwing me - I have no health issues/am not high risk, so I’m questioning whether the risk of the jab outweighs the risk of me getting Covid. I do keep reminding myself that baby will need me to be fit and healthy for him though, and that will play a big factor in my decision.

@Daffodil21 lovely to hear from you, I’m officially in the third trimester as of today 💕 how are you getting on? I’m so torn about the jab. How are you feeling about it? No decision yet, I keep going round and round in circles.

@els10 I totally get why you’d decide that. If I don’t have the jab I’m not going to have people in the house/go into others houses, won’t eat out or go to shops, to be honest I think even if I had the jab I would still be just as careful. The only thing I worry about is I’ve had a few complications so far, and wouldn’t want the risk of Covid to put me off going into triage should I need to. So far Covid has come into play when deciding whether or not to go in, for example I have a consultant appointment on Tuesday and I’ve been desperately trying to get him to talk to me on the phone instead as don’t want to keep going into hospital, especially now in third trimester x

OP posts:
Sunflowerx · 09/05/2021 10:15

I'm booking in my jab with my doctor tomorrow! I was offered it originally in January but didn't take it as I was newly pregnant and guidance said not to. I'm 18 weeks now and although I've stuck to covid guidelines the whole time they've existed, I know of people who've done the same and have got infected simply from picking up their Asda shop! Cases are low right now but they're only going to go up the more things open up so I think it's best to protect myself for my baby :)

sky181 · 09/05/2021 10:20

I think I am going to take it. I just watched the pregnant then screwed special with Stella Creasy and it did ease my concerns slightly. They say based on how the vaccine works it is "unlikely" to cross the placenta and shouldn't go anywhere near your baby. I know they can't prove that in humans but the evidence after animal trials supports the statement. The facts we do know is that Covid 19 can cause serious affects in late pregnancy and based on what is going on in my area that seems a higher risk.

Original poster
MintGreenLife · 09/05/2021 10:35

@Sunflowerx I do agree with you about protecting yourself for baby, I think ultimately that might be what swings me x

@sky181 I watched that too and it definitely made me feel differently and leaning towards having the jab, whereas before my instinct was not to. I’ve read a little more into how the jab works and it’s thought that it doesn’t get much further than the site of injection and breaks down very quickly. But it’s the use of words like ‘should’ and ‘is thought to’ that makes me nervous! X

OP posts:
Daffodil21 · 09/05/2021 10:48

Does anyone have a link to the Stella Creasy video? I can't seem to find it Blush

@MintGreenLife amazing! What a milestone! Congrats!! I'm 26.5 weeks now so not too at behind Smile all seems to be ok so far! I have no idea tbh. I really don't know what to do! First thing this morning I had 'decided' not to, and now I'm thinking about it again!!

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