WWD17D: Research study

[BlahBlahGinger]

Hi D17- question for you re: a research study. I have been asked to participate in a study that is looking at whether vaccinating pregnant women for RSV imparts immunity on the unborn baby. The study would involve a few prenatal appointments/ blood draws, a visit from a research doctor at delivery (I believe they'd take some stats and a sample of cord blood), and then a few post-delivery follow ups. Baby would have to attend the post-delivery appointments (obviously) and she'd have to have blood drawn on a few separate occasions.

I'm feeling torn because on the one hand, I like to think of myself as very pro-science and very very pro-vaccine. However, on the other hand, it sounds like a lot of hassle and I cringe at the idea of baby having a bunch of blood draws that are not strictly necessary (I'm a huge wimp when it comes to witnessing my child in pain).

So- what does Dec 17 think? Should I suck it up for the good of science?

[officedronette]

I think it would depend on the number of blood draws for me and how they were doing them - heel prick, etc. Given the time of year we're delivering, the risk of RSV is I think higher than at least my previous baby, so I'd also consider the pros that if the hypothesis is right and there is some protection offered, that you're balancing out the pain of the blood draw with the possible protection/avoidance of a serious illness.

[kensie5226]

It's a fair question. I think it would depend on how old kiddo is at her blood draws. Shots really weren't that big of a deal when E was younger. It was pretty easy to calm her, but now that she's almost 2....she remembers and knows. So, I think I would probably do it as long as the blood period is in the first 6 or so months of baby's life.