“Covid-19 is real”, repeated Shahmira Muhamad, 36, popularly known as Shuib Sepahtu at least 4 times in his Instagram live video, reminding his viewers not to take Covid-19 lightly.
This revelation came as his wife, Siti Sarah Raisuddin, 33, a celebrated singer, passed away on Aug 9, three days after giving birth prematurely to their fourth child while battling Covid-19.
As numbers continue to rise, more and more families, like Shuib’s are affected by the pandemic. Fathers losing sons, daughters losing mothers, grandparents burying their grandchildren, this is the harsh reality we must face as we move towards the status of a fully vaccinated nation.
“Covid-19 is real!”
Let’s take a moment to pray that Shuib Sepahtu and his family continue to be given the strength and patience to weather this trying time.
Here is our way of raising awareness on how impactful Covid-19 can be especially for expectant mothers and those planning their pregnancy in the near future.
1. Pregnant women especially in their second and third trimester are considered more vulnerable to severe COVID-19 infections
Compared to non-pregnant women, it’s more likely for pregnant and recently pregnant women with COVID-19 to require ICU admission and invasive ventilation, reports Malaysia’s Ministry of Health (MOH) in its guidelines.
A study in Mexico involving 5183 pregnant and 5183 non‐pregnant matched women indicated that pregnant women with Covid-19 had a higher probability of death, pneumonia and ICU admission compared to non‐pregnant women, reports MOH.
2. Pregnant women SHOULD get vaccinated
Is it safe for pregnant women to get the Covid-19 vaccine?
The short answer is YES.
Which COVID-19 vaccine is the safest for pregnant women?
There are many arguments as to which vaccines are safe for pregnant women but MOH reports that all vaccines currently administered in Malaysia i.e. Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca and Sinovac are suitable for pregnant women.
The reality is that being pregnant and unvaccinated has a higher mortality rate for both the mother and baby compared to vaccinated pregnant women.
3. Breastfeeding women who have received COVID-19 vaccines have antibodies in their breast milk which could help protect their babies
Vaccine benefits BOTH the mother and baby.
Breastfeeding your babies has a lot of benefits and one of the biggest one is for babies to get their antibodies through you so YES! This includes antibodies that could protect the baby from COVID-19 if you’re vaccinated according to studies reported by Special Committee on COVID-19 Vaccine Supply (JKJAV).
4. First dose of Covid-19 vaccine is to be administered between 14-33 weeks of pregnancy
MOH recommends administering the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine between 14-33 weeks of pregnancy to confer protection before the late second and third trimester, and the second dose beyond 33 weeks based on the specific vaccine’s schedule.
Vaccination beyond 33 weeks is still possible based on individual assessment done by doctors, according to MOH. So even if you’re past 33 weeks, please consult your attending doctor for advice.
For those pregnant under 14 weeks, do register and arrange for vaccination early to put your mind at ease.
5. Women who have completed their vaccination can initiate pregnancy immediately
There’re rumours going around saying that Covid-19 vaccines can cause miscarriage or even infertility.
You can put your worry to rest as MOH reports that ALL types of COVID-19 vaccines DO NOT affect fertility or future reproductive health. This is consistent with existing findings globally.
Do ensure you’re fully vaccinated before trying, and continue using contraception if you’re in between doses!
Having a baby during these uncertain times definitely taints the excitement with a lot of anxiety… but getting Covid-19 vaccines is no longer a personal choice because it doesn’t only affect you, but people around you including the little one that is on your life support. Think long and hard. It’s a life-and-death decision.
Seek ONLY medical professional advice to protect yourself and your little one. Do not believe circulations on messaging app that are not facts verified by someone qualified. Remember, there is a HUGE difference between Medical Doctor (MD) versus someone with the title Dr. from doctorate program (PhD).
As an added protection for you and your loved ones, consider life and medical insurance to prepare for life’s unexpected moments. Don’t rush. Speak first to insurance experts at Bjak to clear any confusion you may have.
References:
Bjak.my 