AstraZeneca in Pregnancy

[EmyTW]

I just wondered whether anyone has had their second vaccine (specifically AZ) whilst (in early) pregnancy? The guidance isn't definitive, and states that if you had your first AZ before you fell pregnant, you should be given the option to have your second.

If I choose not to have it, does anyone know if I can sign up to have another type of the vaccine?

My husband is classed as clinically extremely vulnerable so I want to ensure I am protected so he can be too.

Thanks.

[Chiefy]

I don't think they are letting you switch brands. I think the advice is if your first was OK then have the second. The reason they aren't recommending AZ in pregnancy is only because there isn't any data on it, not because they think there would be a problem.

I had my first (pfizer) the other week when I was 19 wks and the gp at the centre had to sign me off so maybe worth going for your second jab appointment and discussing it with the Dr at the test centre?

[EmyTW in reply to Chiefy]

That's really helpful, thank you!

[Beatrix_K in reply to Chiefy]

Hi Chiefy sorry to jump in here- I’m due to have my first Pfizer this morning (I’m 18+2) but I am due to go on holiday on Wednesday. Were you very ill? If so, for how long? Hoping I’ll be well enough to go 😬

[Chiefy in reply to Beatrix_K]

I wasn't ill at all. A few hrs after my arm was a little sore where the jab had been, just felt a bit bruised but that was short lived. Have a lovely holiday

[Tigr]

Hi! They are doing a mix test at the moment and the results with first AZ and second Pfizer look really good (more protection even, maybe because they target slightly different parts of the immune system) but aside from those studies they don't offer mixing in the UK yet. I tried... Had the AZ and wanted the Pfizer for second but now got for the AZ for the second one too. I decided it would be fine because I wanted full protection before baby is there, wanted baby to get antibodies and wanted to be able to meet vunerable parents without getting too stressed about infecting them after birth, so they can see baby asap. There is the problem with the side effects but I found the second shot to be much more manageble and the very very rare blood clotting issue. To reduce the tiny risk even more, I decided to have the jab a bit early - clotting in general is more likely after birth. But this is just me being super careful, there is no clear link established between the AZ clotting risk and the different clotting risks after birth. They might not add up. So far all good Maybe they change the guidance soon. How much waiting time do you have to the second one?

[EmyTW in reply to Tigr]

Ah thank you, this is really useful to know. I had my first one in March and my second is scheduled for 1st June..

How many weeks we're you when you had your second? X

[Tigr in reply to EmyTW]

37.5, so was getting a bit tight

[Liberty82 in reply to EmyTW]

Hi Emy, did u have your 2nd AZ jab? Im 16 weeks and due to have mine on wed. I had my first 2 weeks before finding out I was pregnant so there will be a 15 week gap between my 2 doses as I couldn't make up my mind whether to get it. Im still extremely anxious because it took us 7 years to have this baby.

[EmyTW in reply to Liberty82]

Hi Liberty82, so I decided not to have it. I spoke with my Consultant, and her advice was not too (only because AZ hasn't been approved for pregnant women). I am reassured that my partner is fully dosed up - so I feel the risk is less now. If it was Pfizer or Moderna - it would be a different story and I would jump at having it. I had a miscarriage earlier in the year, so I just don't want to do anything to put the baby at risk (even though I know it's a teeny risk).

[Liberty82 in reply to EmyTW]

Thanks. I was all for having it a few days ago but now its only 2 days away im getting really anxious, my gut is now telling me not to have it but I've bounced back and forth between the 2. Im considered a high risk pregnancy so I just want to make the right decision. I feel the same way over the Pfizer or moderna, id gladly have it but the AZ is making me feel really nervous. X

[Liberty82 in reply to EmyTW]

Hi emy, thought I'd update that I got my 2nd vaccine yesterday. I was totally rough after the first one for a few days but absolutely no side effects whatsoever this time! And everything is good with the baby, its wiggling away right now as I write this. It was such a difficult decision but I'm glad I've got it over with now x

[daniellecb]

Hi Emy, I had my second dose of AZ when I was 4wk 5d pregnant, I've just seen the heartbeat today and I'm measuring as I should be at 6w 4d, the jab doesn't seem to have caused any problems for me over over past 2 weeks xx

[EmyTW in reply to daniellecb]

Congratulations. Glad to hear everything is OK!