Here’s how I planned my vaccine schedule during my pregnancy

I am a big believer in science, and I’m grateful that many vaccinations exist to keep me healthy and safe. But I also tend to have strong reactions to vaccines, partly due to my Cushing’s disease.

Cushing’s disease weakens the muscles and thins the skin, which means injections can be more painful for me than for others. When I get vaccinated, the injection site usually hurts for days afterward.

It might seem like I’m overreacting, but even minor procedures can be immensely painful for Cushing’s disease patients. For example, every time I get my blood pressure taken, it hurts so much that I have to hold back tears. Usually, I end up with popped blood vessels and a sore arm, even though it’s a routine part of my care.

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In addition to pain, I tend to feel sluggish and fatigued after getting vaccinated, which usually lasts from one to three days. The feeling is similar to having a cold. Because of all of this, I spread out my vaccinations. I won’t get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines on the same day, for example, as it’ll take me out of commission for several days if I do.

I’m currently 22 weeks pregnant and halfway through my pregnancy vaccinations. My doctor recommended I get a COVID-19 booster, the flu vaccine, the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, and the tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (TDAP) vaccine.

Here’s what my vaccination distribution looks like:

First trimester: I didn’t get vaccinated during the first trimester of my pregnancy, although I could’ve received the flu vaccine toward the end of it. I felt so sick during the first three months that I didn’t want any vaccinations. Now that I’m in the second trimester, I feel more like myself. At about 14 weeks, I felt confident enough to take on the process.

Second trimester: At about 16 weeks, I received the flu vaccination at my OB-GYN’s office. Luckily, they were able to do it right after my appointment, which made it fairly easy. I used the rest of the day to relax, but I had minimal side effects, which was a relief.

At about 21 weeks, I received the COVID-19 vaccination. This hurt a bit more, and I ended up feeling sluggish and having a sore left arm. It took me a few days to get over the pain and feel normal again.

Third trimester: My doctor recommended that I hold off getting the RSV and TDAP vaccines until the third trimester. The RSV vaccine is crucial, because my child will have antibodies and therefore will be less likely to get sick from RSV. The TDAP vaccine is similar. Neither can prevent my child from contracting a virus, but both can keep my baby safer if they do contract one.

I don’t have exact dates for these, but my current plan is to split them up over the third trimester, which starts Nov. 20. I’ll probably have one in December and another in January. I’m due Feb. 20 but can give birth any time after 37 weeks, so I wouldn’t want to do it too late in February.

I trust my doctors and am happy to keep myself and my child safe. Cushing’s disease can make the process a little harder, but it is manageable with proper rest, hydration, and a sweet treat. (Crunch Bars are currently my favorite.) If you’re looking to get vaccinated while pregnant, I recommend talking to your doctor about a plan that works best for you.

You can also follow my journey on TikTok and YouTube.

Note: Cushing’s Disease News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Cushing’s Disease News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Cushing’s.