NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — On Friday morning, Ochsner physicians held a virtual meeting to discuss the fact versus fiction of the COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy.

As the COVID-19 vaccine and development and regulatory approval are progressing, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that all eligible persons, including pregnant and lactating individuals, receive a COVID-19 vaccine or vaccine series.

Ochsner physicians shared their own personal stories in the meeting. The physicians, who are also mothers, in the discussion believe that many people are making decisions off of misinformation online.

Dr. Jane Martin, a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellow at Ochsner Baptist urges pregnant women to get the vaccine.”We are seeing the delta variant in the masses in pregnant women right now, so please get the vaccine.” Martin received her vaccine at 34 and 37 weeks during her pregnancy.

According to ACOG, there is no evidence of adverse maternal or fetal effects from vaccinating pregnant individuals with the COVID-19 vaccine.

ACOG recommends that lactating individuals be vaccinated against COVID-19. While lactating individuals were not included in most clinical trials, COVID-19 vaccines should not be withheld from lactating individuals who otherwise meet the criteria for vaccination. Theoretical concerns regarding the safety of vaccinating lactating individuals do not outweigh the potential benefits of receiving the vaccine. There is no need to avoid initiation or discontinue breastfeeding in patients who receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

Physicians want women to be educated and informed on what works best.

Here is the ACOG document below: