& Women’s Health
COVID-19 Vaccines
What pregnant and breastfeeding families need to know about the COVID vaccine Pregnancy is a time of great excitement for expectant families. But with New Orleans still under COVID-19 restrictions, local pregnant and breastfeeding families are worried about metro infection rates. Cecilia Gambala, MD, MaternalFetal Medicine Specialist who sees Obstetrics and Gynecology patients at the Tulane Center for Women’s Health, agrees that “it’s a very complicated time to be pregnant.”
Pregnancy and COVID-19
While the overall risk of experiencing a severe case of COVID-19 is low, pregnant people who contract the disease have an increased risk of severe illness. This increased risk in turn translates to higher rates of hospitalization and intensive care (ICU) admission and in some cases preterm birth.
Dr. Gambala agrees, noting that her pregnant patients are full of questions about what more they can do to protect themselves and their baby. “I tell them, the one thing to consider is vaccination, especially if you are a frontline worker or high-risk.”
march 2021 | www.nolafamily.com
With these risks in mind, as the COVID-19 vaccine becomes available to people of childbearing age, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding may have questions about vaccine risks and benefits. Tulane doctors at the Tulane Center for Women’s Health recommend talking to your physician about your options, as each individual’s health and pregnancy is unique.
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