An OB-GYN Answers All of Your Questions About COVID-19 & Pregnancy

by Kenzie KramerOctober 25, 2021

Most pregnant people spend a lot of time Googling. You might wonder if your symptoms are normal, what your baby looks like at different weeks gestation, what labor feels like and what exactly you’re supposed to do when you can’t reach your feet to put on shoes anymore. While the answers to some questions can be found easily through an online search, it can be hard to find accurate information about one of women’s biggest concerns today: pregnancy and COVID-19. Luckily, the experts at Kaiser Permanente have answers to your most pressing questions.

Whether you just saw that second line, are starting to feel flutters or are days away from your due date, we have answers you need to know. Read on to find out what Dr. Emily West, Obstetrician and Gynecologist at Kaiser Permanente Northwest, has to say.

Kaiser Permanente has an entire team of doctors, midwives, nurses, lactation consultants, and pediatricians—including 13 pediatric specialties—each of them working together, all for you. Learn more about what sets Kaiser Permanente’s maternity care apart.

Is COVID-19 More Dangerous for Pregnant Women?

Pregnant patients that develop symptomatic COVID-19 are at increased risk of more severe illness compared with people who are not pregnant and have a higher risk of ICU admission, need for mechanical ventilation and death. COVID-19 in pregnancy makes the risk of maternal mortality 10 times higher. Pregnant women who have other underlying conditions such as diabetes or obesity are at an even higher risk of severe illness. Pregnant patients with more severe COVID-19 illness have also been found to have a higher risk of perinatal complications such as: developing blood clots, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, stillbirth and preterm delivery.

Is It Safe to Get a COVID-19 Vaccine If You’re Pregnant?

Yes, all three vaccines are safe for pregnancy, breastfeeding and those who wish to conceive. Thousands of pregnant individuals have received the vaccines and a vaccine registry (v-safe) thus far has demonstrated no increased risk of adverse outcomes for pregnant women or their babies. COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy is strongly recommended by the CDC, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) among many other medical organizations.

Will Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine While Pregnant Harm the Baby?

No, there is no evidence that COVID-19 vaccines given during pregnancy harm the baby. The vaccines do not alter human DNA and cannot cause any genetic changes. In fact, current data shows that babies of patients who receive the COVID-19 vaccine in pregnancy are born with protective COVID-19 antibodies and can continue to receive these antibodies through breastmilk. This can be an important way of providing protection from COVID-19 to newborns.

Kaiser Permanente has a Level III NICU, meaning they have the ability to treat critically ill newborns. Learn more about Kaiser Permanente’s maternity care.

Kaiser Permanente has a Level III NICU, meaning they have the ability to treat critically ill newborns and those as young as 23 weeks. Learn more about Kaiser Permanente’s maternity care.

Is There a COVID-19 Vaccine That Is More Effective Than Others for Pregnant Women?

Each of the available COVID-19 vaccines is felt to have the same efficacy in pregnant and nonpregnant individuals.

What Advice Would You Give to Pregnant Women Who Are Still Deciding on If They Should Get the Vaccine or Not?

Choosing whether to receive a vaccination is always a consideration of risks and benefits. I recommend COVID-19 vaccination for all my patients. The data is clear: those who contract COVID-19 during pregnancy are at increased risk of complications, including death. In addition, the vaccines have been shown to be safe and effective for those who are pregnancy, breastfeeding or wish to become pregnant. Masking and vaccination are the best ways for a pregnant patient to protect themselves and their babies.

Kaiser Permanente’s maternity care has hydrotherapy tubs, lactation consultants, free Wi-Fi and even room service. Learn more.

If I Am Vaccinated When I Deliver Can I Bring My Baby around Other Vaccinated People?

To protect a newborn from infection from COVID-19 as well as other infectious diseases such as whooping cough, I recommend a strategy called “cocooning.” Cocooning protects the baby from infection by ensuring mom gets vaccinated during pregnancy and that all family members and close caregivers get vaccinated prior to delivery. In addition to cocooning, parents should continue to follow local public health recommendations on distancing and masking.

4 Questions to Ask When Hiring a Night Nurse or Postpartum Doula

By Denise Stern

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

February 28, 2021

When hiring overnight care, references, background checks and gut feeling are the most important things to check off your list. Because newborns and new parents have very special needs, here are 4 questions you may not have thought to ask:

1. Do you have your flu shot and vaccinations?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) calls the “mandatory immunization of all health care personnel an ‘ethical, just, and necessary’ means to improve patient safety.” Babies cannot receive a flu shot before 6 months of age so they are especially vulnerable to influenza. Be sure you and your newborn care provider get the flu shot!Hepatitis B, MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) and TDaP (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis, also known as Whooping Cough) should all be current and documented in your child’s caregiver. According to the Centers for Disease Control, TDaP “is especially important for…anyone having close contact with a baby younger than 12 months.” Even if an adult has had the TDaP vaccine as a child, whooping cough boosters are recommended for adults.

2. How will you support my feeding decisions?
While your doula or nurse is likely very experienced, you are the expert in what’s best for your family. If breastfeeding is your goal, someone who can’t wait to cheer you on may be a priority for you. If formula is an option, you may want someone who’s also comfortable giving formula.

3. What kind of Experience, relevant Certifcates or Continuing Education do you have?
At Let Mommy Sleep, we try to stay away from saying what parents and caregivers should or shouldn’t do, but the one exception to this is in safety. For babies 0-1 year old, caregivers need to demonstrate thorough knowledge of basic safety, carseat safety and reducing the risk of SIDS. The AAP offers a comprehensive, free online course, which issues a certificate after completion which we encourage all parents and caregivers to take. First Aid and CPR Certification should also be a given for every caregiver. Other continuing education courses such as lactation support or early childhood milestones offered by regulated agencies show a caregiver’s commitment to their profession and an understanding that recommendations for baby care can change over time. Experience is another excellent indicator of commitment though, and there are many wonderful night nannies and newborn care providers without formal training. Just because someone has taken a newborn care training class doesn’t mean they’ve ever held a real baby. On the same note, it may give you added peace of mind to know that your postpartum caregiver or night nurse is accountable to a state or other governing agency. It’s important to note that only professionals who have completed Registered Nursing, Certified Nurse Midwife or other higher level Licensed Nursing degrees should be called “nurse” or “baby nurse.” Without these licensures, is actually illegal to use the term “baby nurse” in many states.

4. How will you soothe my baby?
Are you thinking you may be an attachment parent? Is sleep training important to you? Maybe a “wait and see” approach to newborn care feels more comfortable? Whatever your personal philosophy, you may wish to ask your night nurse or postpartum doula how s/he soothes baby. Someone who can explain many safe ways to comfort babies is not only demonstrating experience, but also that they understand that each child and family has different needs.

Whatever you decide, we hope that these questions help make your transition home with baby a happy and healthy one for your family.

Photo: Let Mommy Sleep

Denise Stern

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

With twin girls and a boy born 17 months apart, I'm the owner of the world's most ironically named business, Let Mommy Sleep. Let Mommy Sleep provides nurturing postpartum care to newborns and evidence based education to parents by Registered Nurses and Newborn Care Providers.

What Is Cocooning and Can It Save Your Newborn’s Life?

By Kathryn Trudeau

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

September 9, 2019

Photo: Supplied by author.

In May 2014, I was overjoyed to learn that my second baby was on the way, but when I calculated my due date, my heart sank: January 27 was right in the middle of flu season.

Like any good mother, I did what I needed to make sure my home was prepared for a new baby during cold and flu season. I used Clorox wipes on doorknobs and faucets like nobody’s business. I limited my toddler’s time at playdates as I neared my due date, and I made sure we were all up-to-date on our flu shots. I also started asking close relatives to get their flu shot and their pertussis vaccine.

Once my son was born, I declined all visitors at the hospital and I refused to let my newborn be “passed around” at home. I kept him in an Ergo baby carrier for the majority of the day; close to Mama where kind—but too-close-for-comfort—strangers could not greet my little man. I definitely received my share of side-eyes, but the mama bear in me didn’t care. But what I didn’t realize that what I was doing was called “cocooning.” And turns out, cocooning is trending for good reason—because it’s helping to save the lives of newborns.

While miffed family members called me “extreme” and a “germaphobe”, the American Academy of Pediatricians’ was on my side. Their official policy on cocooning is this:

“One of the best ways to protect very young children—who have not yet received the full range of vaccines for deadly diseases—is to ensure that all family members and caregivers who are in close contact with the children are up-to-date on their own immunizations.” Adding, “Creating a circle of protection around the baby is called ‘cocooning.’”

What Exactly Is Cocooning?

Cocooning is the practice of secluding yourself and protecting your newborn from illnesses and diseases. It’s not uncommon for new parents to cocoon their newborn from relatives (even aunts and uncles and grandparents) and friends until adults receive vaccine updates (like the flu shot or Tdap) and/or until baby receives his first set of immunizations.

3 Reasons Cocooning Is Important:

Newborns are too young to receive all the necessary immunizations to be fully protected from diseases like whooping cough and the flu.
According to the Immunization Action Coalition, it’s not strangers who most often get babies sick; it is unvaccinated family members who pose the greatest risks to newborns since they are in much closer contact with a baby (than a stranger).
Whooping cough and influenza are not extinct. Both outbreaks occur each year.

How to Cocoon with Your Newborn

Cocooning is about protecting your baby; in this case, you are cocooning or shielding your baby by surrounding your little one with adults who are fully immunized against infectious diseases. You can cocoon your baby by:

Receiving immunization against whooping cough while pregnant; this is in line with ACOG recommendations for all pregnant women
Requesting that all family members in close contact with the baby receive their flu shot
Requesting that all family members in close contact with the baby receive their Tdap
Immunizing your baby as soon as possible (per your pediatrician’s guidelines)

Of course, if you have questions, make sure to reach out to your baby’s doctor!

Kathryn Trudeau

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Kathryn is a self-proclaimed book nerd who has a passion for natural parenting and writing. As a homeschooling mother, she understands the dynamics of a busy family life. She is the founder of Cor Domum, a mission that guides families through life so that they can parent with joy.

Will the New FDA-Approved Vaccine Affect Your Kids’ Vaccine Schedule?

by Shahrzad WarkentinJanuary 4, 2019

If your kids’ fear of shots has you dreading the pediatricians office, you might be happy to hear about a new FDA-approved vaccine that does the job of six different vaccines in one.

The FDA has just approved a new vaccine for use in the United States that covers diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (also known as whooping cough), hepatitis B, polio, and a disease caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b, also known as Hib. The vaccine, called Vaxelis, has been developed by pharmaceutical companies Sanofi and Merck.

Photo: Rawpixel

Vaxelis can be administered to kids as young as six weeks to four years old, in a series of three doses. All six of the diseases covered already have individual vaccines available, but this new combined vaccine will make it easier to immunize kids by minimizing the number of shots and office visits required.

Before you call the pediatrician for an appointment, Vaxelis is still in production and will likely not be available in the United States until 2020, but if you happen to be planning for a baby in another year, at least one parenting checklist item will be a lot easier to check off by then.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

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When My Kid Ate Dirt, Here’s Why I Didn’t Freak Out

By Chryssy Joski

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

August 21, 2017

Today my son ate dirt for the first time. (Not that I’m going to feed him dirt, but, hey, he’s a boy. I’m sure he’ll eat dirt at least once more before he’s grown.) Binnybeans and I were potting the herbs we bought this weekend, and Budgie was crawling around, investigating dandelions and grass.

As I helped Binnybeans remove the rosemary from the tiny pot, I heard her scream. “He’s eating the dirt!”

I spun around, and there he was, black-speckled tongue hanging out of his mouth and a fistful of dirt. I scoop him up and try to fish the dirt out of his mouth with my finger. Which I was just using to pot the herbs. In dirt. Yeah, that didn’t work.

I made sure there were no chunks he could choke on and I let him be. I didn’t drop everything and race inside for the syrup of ipecac. I didn’t frantically call the pediatrician. I didn’t worry about it… much. (I’m a worrier.)

Why didn’t I lose my mind over a mouthful of dirt? Because it may actually make him healthier. I’m a subscriber to the hygiene hypothesis. According to the FDA’s webpage about the hygiene hypothesis, “young child’s environment can be ‘too clean’ to pose an effective challenge to a maturing immune system.” There is such a thing as too clean.

They continue to say, “extremely clean environments … fail to provide the necessary exposure to germs required to ‘educate’ the immune system so it can learn to launch its defense responses to infectious organisms.” It’s like any other type of learning. You can’t expect to show up at a calculus test and ace it if you’ve never been exposed to basic math. Similarly, you can’t expect to have a robust immune system if you’re not exposed to common microorganisms.

According to the World Health Organization, asthma is the most common chronic condition in children. However, inflammatory responses like asthma and allergies seem to affect children in developed countries and in urban areas at a much higher rate than children in underdeveloped countries and rural areas. Researchers believe this is due to the hygiene hypothesis; those city kids just aren’t exposed to the dirt and germs they need to prevent asthma.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m still careful about what I expose my kids to. I’m not feeding them raw chicken or letting Budgie suck his thumb after getting his tiny hand into a dirty diaper. I’m careful about e. coli and salmonella. I wouldn’t let someone with whooping cough snuggle my Budgie. I follow the CDC’s guidelines about food safety and sanitation.

The researchers agree. Balance is important. Kids need to get outside, but they need to be protected, too. It’s good that he’s literally crawling on the lawn (he’s not walking… yet). It’s good that I sanitize his changing table after an explosive, leaky diaper.

I’m not going to freak out about a tiny fistful of dirt. I’m not going to freak out if he eats a blade of grass or faceplants into the garden while trying to smell a tulip. Come to think of it, he may have been trying to eat that, too.

So I’ll let him get dirty. He’ll “help” us in the garden this summer. While his sister waters the veggies, he can creep along the raised garden bed. And if he gets his hands dirty, I’m totally okay with that. As long as they wash their hands before dinner.

This article was previously published on WellRoundedMom.com

Featured Photo Courtesy: Markus Bormann

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Chryssy Joski

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Crafts, computers, hiding the good snacks... I do it all. I'm a computer scientist by training, but a mom by experience. I love to write about technology for families, because those are my two loves in life. And cheesecake. And coffee.

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