{"id":103131,"date":"2021-08-17T13:54:44","date_gmt":"2021-08-17T11:54:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/?p=103131"},"modified":"2022-04-12T17:37:23","modified_gmt":"2022-04-12T15:37:23","slug":"pregnancy-and-covid-19-vaccination","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/blog\/pregnancy-and-covid-19-vaccination\/","title":{"rendered":"Expert Q&#038;A: Pregnancy and COVID-19 vaccination"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Please note:<\/strong> this page is up-to-date as of 16 August 2021 and will be updated as information becomes available.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_68_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/blog\/pregnancy-and-covid-19-vaccination\/#My_partner_and_I_were_planning_to_try_for_a_baby_this_year_but_I_recently_caught_COVID-19_I_feel_back_to_full_health_now_but_is_it_safe_to_start_trying_to_conceive\" title=\"My partner and I were planning to try for a baby this year, but I recently caught COVID-19. I feel back to full health now, but is it safe to start trying to conceive?\">My partner and I were planning to try for a baby this year, but I recently caught COVID-19. I feel back to full health now, but is it safe to start trying to conceive?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/blog\/pregnancy-and-covid-19-vaccination\/#My_partner_was_very_sick_with_COVID-19_and_ended_up_being_treated_in_hospital_They_feel_fine_now_but_could_there_be_any_lasting_effects_on_fertility\" title=\"My partner was very sick with COVID-19 and ended up being treated in hospital. They feel fine now but could there be any lasting effects on fertility?\">My partner was very sick with COVID-19 and ended up being treated in hospital. They feel fine now but could there be any lasting effects on fertility?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/blog\/pregnancy-and-covid-19-vaccination\/#I_have_an_underlying_medical_condition_which_puts_me_at_higher_risk_of_the_COVID-19_virus_so_naturally_I_am_keen_to_be_vaccinated_as_soon_as_possible_However_Ive_just_found_out_Im_pregnant_Does_this_mean_I_cant_have_the_vaccine\" title=\"I have an underlying medical condition which puts me at higher risk of the COVID-19 virus so naturally I am keen to be vaccinated as soon as possible. However, I&#8217;ve just found out I&#8217;m pregnant! Does this mean I can&#8217;t have the vaccine?\">I have an underlying medical condition which puts me at higher risk of the COVID-19 virus so naturally I am keen to be vaccinated as soon as possible. However, I&#8217;ve just found out I&#8217;m pregnant! Does this mean I can&#8217;t have the vaccine?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/blog\/pregnancy-and-covid-19-vaccination\/#I_want_the_COVID-19_vaccination_but_Im_also_undergoing_fertility_treatment_Should_I_stop_or_interrupt_my_treatment\" title=\"I want the COVID-19 vaccination but I&#8217;m also undergoing fertility treatment. Should I stop or interrupt my treatment?\">I want the COVID-19 vaccination but I&#8217;m also undergoing fertility treatment. Should I stop or interrupt my treatment?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/blog\/pregnancy-and-covid-19-vaccination\/#Im_36_and_want_to_start_a_family_as_soon_as_possible_but_Im_worried_about_catching_COVID-19_Is_it_safe_to_attend_a_fertility_clinic\" title=\"I&#8217;m 36 and want to start a family as soon as possible, but I&#8217;m worried about catching COVID-19. Is it safe to attend a fertility clinic?\">I&#8217;m 36 and want to start a family as soon as possible, but I&#8217;m worried about catching COVID-19. Is it safe to attend a fertility clinic?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/blog\/pregnancy-and-covid-19-vaccination\/#Im_hoping_to_try_for_a_baby_next_year_but_Im_worried_about_taking_the_vaccine_and_how_this_could_affect_our_chances_%E2%80%93_if_it_doesnt_affect_fertility_then_why_were_pregnant_women_initially_advised_against_getting_it\" title=\"I&#8217;m hoping to try for a baby next year, but I&#8217;m worried about taking the vaccine and how this could affect our chances &#8211; if it doesn&#8217;t affect fertility, then why were pregnant women initially advised against getting it?\">I&#8217;m hoping to try for a baby next year, but I&#8217;m worried about taking the vaccine and how this could affect our chances &#8211; if it doesn&#8217;t affect fertility, then why were pregnant women initially advised against getting it?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/blog\/pregnancy-and-covid-19-vaccination\/#My_partner_has_been_vaccinated_and_is_taking_more_risks_nowadays_but_Im_pregnant_and_havent_yet_been_vaccinated_Although_Im_not_in_a_vulnerable_group_Im_worried_that_if_I_catch_COVID-19_my_baby_could_be_at_risk_What_should_I_do\" title=\"My partner has been vaccinated and is taking more risks nowadays, but I&#8217;m pregnant and haven&#8217;t yet been vaccinated. Although I&#8217;m not in a vulnerable group, I&#8217;m worried that if I catch COVID-19 my baby could be at risk. What should I do?\">My partner has been vaccinated and is taking more risks nowadays, but I&#8217;m pregnant and haven&#8217;t yet been vaccinated. Although I&#8217;m not in a vulnerable group, I&#8217;m worried that if I catch COVID-19 my baby could be at risk. What should I do?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/blog\/pregnancy-and-covid-19-vaccination\/#Can_I_still_breastfeed_if_Ive_had_any_of_the_COVID-19_vaccines\" title=\"Can I still breastfeed if I&#8217;ve had any of the COVID-19 vaccines?\">Can I still breastfeed if I&#8217;ve had any of the COVID-19 vaccines?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/blog\/pregnancy-and-covid-19-vaccination\/#Were_ready_to_start_a_family_however_is_it_more_responsible_for_us_to_wait_to_be_vaccinated_first\" title=\"We&#8217;re ready to start a family, however is it more responsible for us to wait to be vaccinated first?\">We&#8217;re ready to start a family, however is it more responsible for us to wait to be vaccinated first?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"My_partner_and_I_were_planning_to_try_for_a_baby_this_year_but_I_recently_caught_COVID-19_I_feel_back_to_full_health_now_but_is_it_safe_to_start_trying_to_conceive\"><\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">My partner and I were planning to try for a baby this year, but I recently caught COVID-19. <\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">I feel back to full health now, but is it safe to start trying to conceive?<\/span><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">It&#8217;s recommended to wait at least 10 days after your symptoms have subsided to make sure that you&#8217;re fully recovered before trying to conceive. <\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">If that&#8217;s the case and you&#8217;re feeling healthy, then there&#8217;s no reason to wait! <\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">If you find you have been trying to conceive for more than a year (or six months if you are over 35 years old), then it&#8217;s recommended to see a fertility specialist.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"My_partner_was_very_sick_with_COVID-19_and_ended_up_being_treated_in_hospital_They_feel_fine_now_but_could_there_be_any_lasting_effects_on_fertility\"><\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">My partner was very sick with COVID-19 and ended up being treated in hospital. <\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">They feel fine now but could there be any lasting effects on fertility?<\/span><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">Rest assured that it&#8217;s very unlikely that your partner&#8217;s fertility will have been permanently affected, whether they are male or female. <\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">For men, being ill from any virus can cause a temporary drop in sperm count, so this is normal. <\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">There are some studies that suggest COVID-19 can affect sperm quality, but this data is still very limited. <\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">There is no evidence that the COVID-19 affects fertility in women. In fact, research from IVI found <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/press\/new-research-debunks-theory-that-covid-19-can-negatively-affect-female-fertility\/\">a previous COVID-19 infection had no negative impact on the ovarian reserve<\/a> according a recent clinical study. <\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">As always, it&#8217;s recommended to wait at least 10 days after symptoms have disappeared before trying to conceive.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"I_have_an_underlying_medical_condition_which_puts_me_at_higher_risk_of_the_COVID-19_virus_so_naturally_I_am_keen_to_be_vaccinated_as_soon_as_possible_However_Ive_just_found_out_Im_pregnant_Does_this_mean_I_cant_have_the_vaccine\"><\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">I have an underlying medical condition which puts me at higher risk of the COVID-19 virus so naturally I am keen to be vaccinated as soon as possible. <\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">However, I&#8217;ve just found out I&#8217;m pregnant! <\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">Does this mean I can&#8217;t have the vaccine?<\/span><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">If you have an underlying medical condition which makes you more vulnerable to severe illness from COVID-19, you are <\/span><\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">strongly encouraged by UK health leaders to get the coronavirus vaccine and take whichever vaccine you&#8217;re offered. <\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">The NHS has worked with numerous health charities to produce <\/span><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/coronavirus-covid-19\/coronavirus-vaccination\/health-conditions\/\"><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">detailed information about the COVID-19 vaccine and how it relates to a number of health conditions<\/span><\/span><\/a><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">, which you may also wish to review.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">If you&#8217;re pregnant, it is safe to receive the vaccine. New NHS data shows that since the start of May 2021, <\/span><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.england.nhs.uk\/2021\/07\/chief-midwife-urges-pregnant-women-to-get-nhs-covid-jab\/\"><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">98% of pregnant women hospitalised with COVID-19 had not been vaccinated<\/span><\/span><\/a><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">. <\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">In contrast, there were no pregnant women hospitalised who had received both vaccine doses and only three admitted to hospital who had received one vaccine dose.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">\u00a0The <\/span><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rcog.org.uk\/\"><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG)<\/span><\/span><\/a><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"> and the <\/span><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rcm.org.uk\"><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">Royal College of Midwives<\/span><\/span><\/a><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"> both recommend that pregnant women receive the vaccine. <\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">Both medical bodies agree that vaccination is one of the best defenses for pregnant women against severe COVID-19 infection, while the <\/span><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/groups\/joint-committee-on-vaccination-and-immunisation\"><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation<\/span><\/span><\/a><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"> have confirmed that the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines have been shown to be effective and safe for those who are pregnant and carrying a baby. <\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">If you are unsure, it&#8217;s best to speak with your obstetrician to evaluate the risks and benefits so you can make an informed decision based on your personal circumstances.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"I_want_the_COVID-19_vaccination_but_Im_also_undergoing_fertility_treatment_Should_I_stop_or_interrupt_my_treatment\"><\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">I want the COVID-19 vaccination but I&#8217;m also undergoing fertility treatment. <\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">Should I stop or interrupt my treatment?<\/span><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">It is safe to receive the vaccine and continue with your treatment cycle as planned, but you should check with your consultant before getting vaccinated, as everyone&#8217;s circumstances are different.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">For example, at IVI, we recommend waiting at least two weeks after getting the jab before starting any treatment involving an insemination or embryo transfer. <\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">This allows any minor side effects to disappear and avoid causing unnecessary worry or stress during your fertility treatment. <\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">You should not feel like you need to delay your plans and, rest assured, there is no reason to postpone pregnancy or fertility treatment because of the COVID-19 vaccine.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Im_36_and_want_to_start_a_family_as_soon_as_possible_but_Im_worried_about_catching_COVID-19_Is_it_safe_to_attend_a_fertility_clinic\"><\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">I&#8217;m 36 and want to start a family as soon as possible, but I&#8217;m worried about catching COVID-19. <\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">Is it safe to attend a fertility clinic?<\/span><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">There is currently no evidence of any COVID-19 transmission through assisted reproduction, such as IVF treatment. <\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">Most clinics, such as IVI, have strict protocols to keep patients, staff and visitors safe. <\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">This includes routine cleaning and temperature checks, video consultations and test and trace policies so that we can continue offering fertility treatment in a responsible way.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Im_hoping_to_try_for_a_baby_next_year_but_Im_worried_about_taking_the_vaccine_and_how_this_could_affect_our_chances_%E2%80%93_if_it_doesnt_affect_fertility_then_why_were_pregnant_women_initially_advised_against_getting_it\"><\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">I&#8217;m hoping to try for a baby next year, but I&#8217;m worried about taking the vaccine and how this could affect our chances &#8211; if it doesn&#8217;t affect fertility, then why were pregnant women initially advised against getting it?<\/span><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">There is no evidence to suggest that the vaccine affects fertility in men or women, and you should go ahead with the vaccine as directed by your doctor or other healthcare professional.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">Until the guidance was updated in April 2021, pregnant women were advised not to take the vaccine as a precautionary measure. <\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">This was simply because there was not yet enough evidence to support routine vaccination for pregnant women at that time. <\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">Pregnant women are historically excluded from clinical trials, and they were also excluded from most COVID vaccination trials. <\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">That being said, there is no evidence to suggest that the vaccine could cause a negative effect in pregnancy. <\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">None of the authorised vaccines contain any live virus, which means they cannot multiply inside the body. By not<\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">\u00a0containing organisms that can multiply, there is no risk that the vaccine can have a negative effect on an unborn baby.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Currently, guidance from the JCVI advises <strong>pregnant women to be offered\u00a0COVID-19 vaccines at the same time as people of the same age or risk group<\/strong> as there is now enough evidence to support their safety profiles. Evidence on COVID-19 vaccines is being continuously reviewed by the World Health Organization and the regulatory bodies in the UK, USA, Canada and Europe. Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are the preferred vaccines for pregnant women of any age who are coming for their first dose.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"My_partner_has_been_vaccinated_and_is_taking_more_risks_nowadays_but_Im_pregnant_and_havent_yet_been_vaccinated_Although_Im_not_in_a_vulnerable_group_Im_worried_that_if_I_catch_COVID-19_my_baby_could_be_at_risk_What_should_I_do\"><\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">My partner has been vaccinated and is taking more risks nowadays, but I&#8217;m pregnant and haven&#8217;t yet been vaccinated. <\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">Although I&#8217;m not in a vulnerable group, I&#8217;m worried that if I catch COVID-19 my baby could be at risk. <\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">What should I do?<\/span><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">There is no evidence to suggest that pregnant women are more likely to get seriously ill from coronavirus. <\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">Compared to the general population, pregnant women are more likely to be admitted to ICU, although this could reflect a lower threshold for admission rather than a more severe case of the disease. <\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">If you catch COVID-19 while you are pregnant, it <\/span><\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">may be possible for you to pass on coronavirus to your baby in-utero (known as vertical transmission), but this has only happened in a small number of cases. <\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">When it has happened, the babies have fully recovered very quickly.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">That being said, since April 2021, pregnant women have been encouraged by health leaders to take the vaccine when offered, with many agreeing that <\/span><\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">it is the best way to protect you and your baby against COVID-19. <\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">If you haven&#8217;t yet received your vaccine, you can book an appointment using the <\/span><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/coronavirus-covid-19\/coronavirus-vaccination\/book-coronavirus-vaccination\/\"><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">online vaccination booking service<\/span><\/span><\/a><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"> offered by the NHS.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_I_still_breastfeed_if_Ive_had_any_of_the_COVID-19_vaccines\"><\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">Can I still breastfeed if I&#8217;ve had any of the COVID-19 vaccines?<\/span><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">The good news for mothers who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 is there is no need to be concerned when breastfeeding. <\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">It is perfectly safe for you and your baby. <\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">Likewise, breastfeeding women who are offered their vaccine have nothing to worry about and many leading medical bodies, including the World Health Organization (WHO), are now recommending that women who are nursing should receive the vaccine when offered.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">There are also tangible benefits to breastfeeding following your vaccination too: it is possible for babies to gain passive immunity to COVID-19 through the immunoglobulins present in breast milk. <\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">Immunoglobulins are antibodies which can protect your baby not only from COVID-19, but all sorts of pathogens (eg anything which triggers the body&#8217;s infection-fighting cells). <\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">If the breastfeeding mother has received one or both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, she will pass some of the IgG antibodies to her baby. <\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">Similarly, if she has had a previous COVID-19 infection, she will pass IgA antibodies to her baby. <\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">IgG and IgA are different classes of antibody, but both perform a similar job of eliminating pathogens which stops us from getting poorly.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Were_ready_to_start_a_family_however_is_it_more_responsible_for_us_to_wait_to_be_vaccinated_first\"><\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">We&#8217;re ready to start a family, however is it more responsible for us to wait to be vaccinated first?<\/span><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">There is no reason why you should postpone pregnancy or fertility treatment because of the COVID-19 vaccine. <\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">That being said, if you are able to plan your pregnancy, you might like to have both doses of the vaccine then try to conceive three months after the first dose. <\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">However, this is a completely personal choice and the only reason to do this is if you would prefer to have built immunity status against the virus &#8211; not for any reason related to fertility. <\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">For some, the idea of \u200b\u200bwaiting may not be attractive, and it may be more responsible to start trying to get pregnant sooner rather than later. <\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">After all, it&#8217;s quite normal to take up to a year to conceive if you&#8217;re under 35 and healthy, with no known fertility issues. <\/span><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">Therefore, it depends on your individual circumstances and fertility.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>If you have any questions or concerns about your fertility and wish to speak to one of our consultants, we are happy to help. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/ask-for-an-appointment\/\">Contact us today<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Please note: this page is up-to-date as of 16 August 2021 and will be updated as information becomes available. &nbsp; My partner and I were planning to try for a baby this year, but I recently caught COVID-19. I feel back to full health now, but is it safe to start trying to conceive? It&#8217;s&#8230; <a class=\"view-article\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/blog\/pregnancy-and-covid-19-vaccination\/\">View Article<\/a>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":103139,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Expert Q&amp;A: Pregnancy and COVID-19 vaccination - IVI UK<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"If you are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding, extensive data shows the COVID-19 vaccines are safe and highly effective.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/blog\/pregnancy-and-covid-19-vaccination\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Expert Q&amp;A: Pregnancy and COVID-19 vaccination - IVI UK\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"If you are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding, extensive data shows the COVID-19 vaccines are safe and highly effective.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/blog\/pregnancy-and-covid-19-vaccination\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"IVI UK\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2021-08-17T11:54:44+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2022-04-12T15:37:23+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2021\/08\/AdobeStock_434560658-scaled.jpeg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2560\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1408\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"admin\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"admin\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Expert Q&A: Pregnancy and COVID-19 vaccination - IVI UK","description":"If you are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding, extensive data shows the COVID-19 vaccines are safe and highly effective.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/blog\/pregnancy-and-covid-19-vaccination\/","og_locale":"en_GB","og_type":"article","og_title":"Expert Q&A: Pregnancy and COVID-19 vaccination - IVI UK","og_description":"If you are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding, extensive data shows the COVID-19 vaccines are safe and highly effective.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/blog\/pregnancy-and-covid-19-vaccination\/","og_site_name":"IVI UK","article_published_time":"2021-08-17T11:54:44+00:00","article_modified_time":"2022-04-12T15:37:23+00:00","og_image":[{"width":2560,"height":1408,"url":"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2021\/08\/AdobeStock_434560658-scaled.jpeg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"admin","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"admin","Estimated reading time":"7 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/blog\/pregnancy-and-covid-19-vaccination\/","url":"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/blog\/pregnancy-and-covid-19-vaccination\/","name":"Expert Q&A: Pregnancy and COVID-19 vaccination - IVI UK","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/blog\/pregnancy-and-covid-19-vaccination\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/blog\/pregnancy-and-covid-19-vaccination\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2021\/08\/AdobeStock_434560658-scaled.jpeg","datePublished":"2021-08-17T11:54:44+00:00","dateModified":"2022-04-12T15:37:23+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/#\/schema\/person\/7a59df689fd12350f3131f063b5c16a5"},"description":"If you are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding, extensive data shows the COVID-19 vaccines are safe and highly effective.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/blog\/pregnancy-and-covid-19-vaccination\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-GB","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/blog\/pregnancy-and-covid-19-vaccination\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/blog\/pregnancy-and-covid-19-vaccination\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2021\/08\/AdobeStock_434560658-scaled.jpeg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2021\/08\/AdobeStock_434560658-scaled.jpeg","width":2560,"height":1408,"caption":"Pregnant women vaccination Health care concept. Diverse mothers after vaccine injection in shoulder. Pregnant getting vaccine shot. Women in face mask showing bandage. Flat vector illustration"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/blog\/pregnancy-and-covid-19-vaccination\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Expert Q&#038;A: Pregnancy and COVID-19 vaccination"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/","name":"IVI UK","description":"Reproducci\u00f3n asistida - Tratamientos de fertilidad","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/#\/schema\/person\/7a59df689fd12350f3131f063b5c16a5","name":"admin"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/103131"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=103131"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/103131\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":103188,"href":"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/103131\/revisions\/103188"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/103139"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=103131"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=103131"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=103131"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}