The 19th’s Shefali Luthra recently reported that fewer than 1 in 4 pregnant people have gotten a COVID shot and getting this group vaccinated is currently one of the nation’s biggest health challenges.
It’s not yet clear if the government’s steps to encourage vaccination will move the needle, but Ashley Henriquez, who was newly pregnant when the coronavirus vaccines first became available in her home state of Florida, suggested a possible solution.
“I don’t feel like we have a lot of resources or individual cases from pregnant women who are speaking up,” she told Luthra. “We need actual pregnant women saying, ‘This was my experience. I’ve gone through it. Everything was OK.’”
The 19th’s CEO Emily Ramshaw mentioned Henriquez’s quote in a tweet, prompting dozens of responses and inspiring our 19th readers who have received the COVID-19 vaccine while pregnant to share their experiences with us.
Some of those responses are below. You can read more stories or contribute your own on Twitter.
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‘So happy to pass on antibodies to the little one’
I was 6 months pregnant when the pandemic started. Totally scared that the hospitals would be full or that my newborn and I would get sick. I was vaccinated while still breastfeeding- so happy to pass on antibodies to the little one. He’s 14 months now and doing amazing.
— Jill Alm (@Jillpdx) August 27, 2021
‘Best decision I made’
I was lucky enough to be able to get both Pfizer vaccines while pregnant & had my baby 16 days after 2nd dose. To be able to share a bit of my antibodies while pregnant + through breastfeeding is such a huge gift since he can’t get a vaccine himself (yet). Best decision I made ❤️ https://t.co/LJ73a6VVM3 pic.twitter.com/yj3TlnkvmK
— Jill Habig (@jehabig) August 26, 2021
‘No preeclampsia this time’
I got vaccinated during 3rd trimester w Moderna. I had preeclampsia last pregnancy and was worried about it this time so I didn’t want COVID19 to make that worse. No preeclampsia this time. Had a healthy baby who’s currently 2 months. Side effects similar to pregnancy symptoms. https://t.co/HLbFX1KK2N
— Black Hermione is ashamed of JKR (@minimerc4) August 26, 2021
‘Happy and healthy’
I got vaccinated at 30 weeks. My daughter is 4 months old, happy and healthy! pic.twitter.com/q5Ppk6UKG1
— RN Independent (@rn_independent) August 26, 2021
‘We are both fine’
got pfizer mid pregnancy with my fifth. no side effects other than arm soreness. baby has since been born, we are both fine
— Bria the Landstander (@thegoodsmeller) August 26, 2021
‘I have felt huge relief’
I’m in my third trimester and got my vaccine in the first trimester. Ever since I have felt huge relief knowing I’m protecting myself, my baby and my family/friends as best that I possibly can.
— Mo (@mojangles7) August 27, 2021
‘Kiddo is perfect’
Vaccinated at 18 and 21 weeks with Pfizer. Kiddo is perfect. pic.twitter.com/Vj9ABVwyAE
— Erin Katherine (@ErKat00) August 26, 2021
‘I got great feedback from a lot of moms’
I am pregnant, 5th child ,I got my first vaccine shot on Tuesday. I go back in 3 weeks for the 2nd one. I got great feedback from a lot of moms in regards to getting the vaccine while pregnant!
— Mutha Hustla (@NNVaughns) August 26, 2021
‘Love having the peace of mind’
Was vaccinated at 6 mos pregnant. Baby boy made his way into the world on Tuesday perfectly healthy & protected with antibodies love having the peace of mind that he’s protected!
— Andi Politiko (@Andi_Poli2) August 26, 2021
‘Hoping to get a booster soon’
Vaccinated in second trimester and tolerated super well! No complications, now with a happy and healthy 3 month old. And she actually sleeps! Maybe that’s a nice side effect?! Hoping to get a booster soon so I can keep passing on those antibodies! #covid19 #thisisourshot https://t.co/1pVBHTSFwA pic.twitter.com/gEqJQdAgNt
— EJ, MD (@Elaina_711) August 26, 2021
