New Study May Help Ease Worries About The COVID-19 Vaccine During Pregnancy

With so much misinformation being spread about the COVID-19 vaccine, it is understandable that people who are pregnant or hoping to get pregnant may be wary about getting vaccinated. Many studies over the past two years have found that the COVID-19 vaccine does not affect fertility, and a new study has found that the vaccine does not increase the risk of complications during pregnancy (via WebMD). The study, published in the BMJ, found that getting the COVID-19 vaccine while pregnant does not increase the likelihood of preterm birth, stillbirth, or similar complications.

"Our study found no evidence of increased risk of preterm birth, very preterm birth, small-for-gestational-age at birth, or stillbirth following COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy," said Deshayne Fell, PhD, the lead study author and a scientist at the CHEO Research Institute at the University of Ottawa. "The results of this study provide further evidence for care providers and pregnant people about the safety of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy." While it is natural to have questions about what is safe during pregnancy, evidence suggests that getting the COVID-19 vaccine should not be a concern. Still, it is always smart to talk to your doctor before getting any vaccines while pregnant.

It is fair to have questions about the long-term effects of the COVID-19 vaccine, as it has only been around for a couple of years. However, it is important to listen to the science that is available to make the best medical decisions. There have been many rumors about the COVID-19 vaccine and if it affects fertility, but no credible sources have shown that the vaccine can negatively impact fertility (via Cleveland Clinic). The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that "leading medical organizations have repeatedly affirmed that the COVID-19 vaccines have no impact on fertility."

The virus itself, however, can affect fertility, which is why experts encourage pregnant women to get vaccinated if they haven't already. According to the CDC, the COVID-19 vaccine is "recommended for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant now, or might become pregnant in the future." The CDC also notes that there is currently no evidence that any vaccine, including the COVID-19 vaccine, causes fertility issues in men or women.