Pregnancy and the COVID-19 Vaccine

Vaccine hesitancy remains an issue for many Marylanders, especially pregnant women.

Pregnancy has been known to reduce immunity, so there's an increased risk of getting any illness, including COVID-19.

According to Robert O. Atlas, M.D., FACOG, Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Mercy Medical Center, said there's nothing saying pregnant women shouldn't get the vaccine. They just need to be careful and talk to their doctor. The vaccine could even help protect the baby.

There is a study out that shows that it's safe in the third trimester and that it's actually protective of the infant. So, we're all recommending, I am clearly recommending to all my patients I encounter to get the vaccine. When we see patients getting really sick and dying from it, it just makes sense to get the vaccine," Dr. Atlas said.

Dr. Atlas added that there hasn't been any increased issues with pregnant women getting the shot, saying they've had similar side effects to anyone else.

To view Mercy OB/GYN Dr. Robert Atlas’ interview regarding pregnancy and the COVID-19 vaccine, click here.