There is surely a lot of weight when it comes to answering whether pregnant women should get the virus vaccine. Future moms also face a higher risk of passing away from the disease compared with those who are not expecting. On top of this, pregnant women who have the virus may have a high risk of poor pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth, compared with those who don’t have the virus.

What Do Specialists Say?

Getting the vaccine would, in theory, significantly reduce these risks. The caveat: Expecting women were included from the Pfizer- Moderna, BioNTech, and newly FDA-approved Johnson & Johnson vaccine trials. This is currently a common practice for first-round vaccine trials, so there is not much data as people would like on how effective and safe these shots are in pregnant women.

So what do the official guidelines say? Guidance from the CDC reflects this murkiness, as the organization reveals that pregnant women may choose to get the vaccine but stops short of explicitly encouraging it. A practice advisory from the ACOG strikes a similar tone. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that the vaccine should not be withheld from pregnant women.

Still, given the scant information available on the virus shot and the lack of resounding endorsement from specialists, how can those who are expecting make the best decision for their unborn babies? Here is what you need to know regarding the topic.

Is the Vaccine Safe for Pregnant Women Now?

The short answer is that there is not enough data. Yet, the vaccine is safe for pregnant women. This is what Jeanne S.Sheffield says. She is an M.D., director of the division of maternal-fetal medicine, and a professor of gynecology. The very limited information that professors have is promising. Preliminary studies that individuals tested the vaccines in pregnant animals were reassuring and didn’t reveal any safety concerns.

Permissive parenting is one of the three major parenting types that were defined by Diana Baumrind in a study from the 1960s. This parenting lacks structure, consistency, or limits when it comes to discipline. Parents who practice it tend to interfere very little. They are kind and loving toward their kids, which is the positive aspect of this type of parenting. However, there are also some unintended consequences of this parenting style. According to Jeff Nalin, an award-winning licensed clinical psychologist, the following are the most important things about permissive parenting.

Permissive Parent Characteristics

• Gives few or inconsistent rules
• Prefers to be seen as a friend to their child instead of an authority figure
• Takes into account their child’s opinion in big decisions
• Focuses on freedom over responsibilities
• Allows for natural instead of imposed consequences
• Isn’t overly concerned about their child’s safety and sees risky situations as learning opportunities

Examples of Permissive Parenting

• Screen time: Children of permissive parents may have unlimited access to screens rather than weekly or daily limits.
• Playdates: Instead of having a consistent rule about no playdates unless the childrens’ rooms are clean, a permissive parent may implement the rule on some days but not others.
• Food and treats: Permissive parents tend to let their kids eat what they like and when they want it.

Benefits of Permissive Parenting

In recent years, permissive parenting has seen a comeback in popularity. Whereas it may not be the most popular parenting style, permissive parenting has its advantages, such as:

• Self-assurance. Children that are encouraged to express themselves freely become more confident and willing to try new things and have an increased sense of their own value.
• Exploration. Permissive parenting lets children have more freedom, which inspires them to go on new adventures with an increased sense of confidence.
• Creativity. Children can experiment with different passions and hobbies. Children who grow up in a less rigid environment tap into their creativity more easily.

Disadvantages of Permissive Parenting

Without the set of precise boundaries, children don’t get a sense of right and wrong. As a consequence, they will often test the waters to assess how their parents will react and will seek more attention. This behavior can catalyze several other negative consequences of this parenting style, especially at its extremes. Here are all the cons of permissive parenting:

• Risk-prone temperament. Without proper boundaries, children are left to fend for themselves, so they may approach a situation without fear, which can increase their chances of engaging in risky behaviors like substance abuse.
• Behavioral inhibition. According to studies, children raised by permissive parents are more prone to anxiety and depression because the children are taught to keep their problems to themselves, and they withdraw as a result.
• Rebellion. Children that are allowed to “rule themselves” think they can use this type of behavior outside the home, which leads to a challenging and rebellious attitude toward others.