I was pregnant and got vaccinated anyway

It was the latter half of 2020 when my husband and I found out I was carrying our first child. There were happy tears, of course, and congratulations from family and friends. But my future — and my baby’s future — felt uncertain.

Just like everyone else, I couldn’t take my mind off of COVID19.

My thought process was simple, yet dark: I didn’t want to get sick or die. I knew I wanted to be around for my child and her father.

Like other expectant mothers, I had a million questions about being pregnant for the first time and becoming a new mom. But in addition to the normal concerns of pregnancy, I was afraid of how COVID19 would complicate every step of the process.

In the early stages of my pregnancy, vaccines were not yet available, and I didn’t have many options or experts to turn to for advice. I followed the same guidelines as everyone else — stay at home as much as possible, physically distance, and wear a mask.

When the vaccines arrived in December, I felt a glimmer of hope. Myself, my husband, and our unborn daughter might have a future after all.

But there were initial nerves, too. Pregnant women were not included in COVID19 vaccine trials.

I immediately set about doing my research and found thanks to years of scientific and technological advancements, there was extensive data demonstrating that those who are pregnant or looking to conceive should be confident in vaccine safety. (Since my early pregnancy, newer studies have further shown that COVID19 vaccines are safe for pregnant women and effective at protecting us against this deadly disease.)

As soon as the first COVID vaccine was authorized for use, I spoke with my doctor at length — and on multiple occasions — about whether or not it was an option. I wanted to know if the vaccine was going to be safe for me, of course. But I mainly wanted to be absolutely sure that the vaccine would also be safe for the development of my unborn child.

He took the time to discuss the latest recommendations from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, which advised that pregnant individuals should be given access to COVID19 vaccines.

Further instilling my confidence in getting vaccinated was when I learned that COVID19 immunity could be passed down from mother to baby. One of the authors in a March study from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology noted the evidence is clear — these vaccines induce immunity and will protect infants.

The idea that I could pass down immunity to protect my daughter in the most vulnerable time of her life was the final piece of information I needed to solidify my decision. It was about more than just me; it was about getting a vaccine that could shape a safer future for her as she entered this world.

Of course I yearned to give birth to her in a world without this pandemic. But I had to deal with the situation as it was.

So as soon as the state opened eligibility to highrisk individuals, which included pregnant women, I signed up and received both doses of the Moderna COVID19 vaccine.

As of midJuly, more than 136,000 pregnant women in the United States have been vaccinated against COVID19, just like me.

I’m happy to report that my daughter, Elise, was born happy and healthy last month. Like so many mothers before me, I held her during her first cry. I counted her fingers and toes, and studied her face to see if she looked more like me or my husband. On top of all of that, I keep holding my sweet girl closely, feeling relief wash over me, knowing my decision to get vaccinated may very well have passed along immunity to her.

To other expectant mothers who are nervous about the COVID19 vaccine, I hear you. From one mom to another, you are right to have questions and you should seek out the answers you deserve. Talk to your doctor. Use the resources available to you to get accurate information. You can sign up for your appointment or find a walkin clinic today at www.myturn.ca.gov.

I know you’ll come to the same decision I did: to get vaccinated.

California now has administered more than 43 million vaccine doses — the most of any state. But we need to stay vigilant against COVID19 and all of its variants, especially the delta.

As much as we want it to be, this pandemic is not over yet.

That means getting vaccinated, encouraging our friends and families to get vaccinated, and helping our youngest family members get vaccinated as early as it is safe to do so.

Sonya Logman Harris is the Senior Advisor to California's Vaccinate ALL 58 campaign, and oversees the COVID19 Vaccine Task Force’s statewide outreach and education efforts. She previously served as chief of staff for the 2020 Census in California.