COVID Vaccine and Miscarriage: Separating Fact from Fiction
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a sense of urgency to find a solution. The development of vaccines has been one of the most significant steps in this direction, but it has also led to concerns about their safety, especially for pregnant women.
There have been claims that the COVID-19 vaccine causes miscarriages. However, these allegations are not backed by scientific evidence. In this article, we will separate fact from fiction regarding COVID vaccine and miscarriage.
What is Miscarriage?
Miscarriage is the loss of pregnancy before 20 weeks gestation or delivery of an infant weighing less than 500 grams (1 lb). It can happen due to various reasons like chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus or health problems in the mother.
Does COVID Vaccine Cause Miscarriages?
No scientific evidence suggests that getting vaccinated against COVID-19 increases your chances of having a miscarriage. According to recent studies conducted on pregnant women who received mRNA vaccines such as Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, there were no increased rates of miscarriages compared with those who did not receive vaccination [1].
Furthermore, experts believe that contracting coronavirus while pregnant poses greater risks than receiving any authorized vaccine against it [2]. Pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2 are at higher risk for severe illness than non-pregnant people [3], which can lead to complications during pregnancy like preterm birth and stillbirths.
Are There Any Side Effects for Pregnant Women After Vaccination?
Like everyone else who receives vaccines, some side effects may occur after getting vaccinated against COVID-19. These side effects include fever, chills, fatigue, headache or muscle pain – all usually short-lived [4]. Some anecdotal reports suggest that some women experienced heavier menstrual periods after receiving vaccination; however further research is needed on its impact on menstruation cycles[5].
Is it Safe to Get Vaccinated During Pregnancy?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that pregnant women should get vaccinated against COVID-19. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) also recommend vaccination during pregnancy [6].
Pregnant women are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, especially if they have underlying health conditions like diabetes or hypertension [7]. Getting vaccinated can help protect both mother and baby.
Future Advances
Research is ongoing on how vaccines affect pregnant women, their fetuses, and newborns. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reported no safety concerns among a small group of pregnant women who received Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine in early pregnancy [8].
Another recent study conducted by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that antibodies developed after vaccination were transferred to infants via breast milk, providing protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection [9]. These findings offer hope that babies born to mothers who received the vaccine may be protected from contracting coronavirus.
Conclusion
Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is safe for pregnant women and does not cause miscarriages. Pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2 are more likely to suffer complications than non-pregnant individuals. Therefore it is recommended that all eligible individuals including those who are planning a pregnancy or currently pregnant receive the vaccine as soon as possible.
References:
[1] https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7013e2.htm?s_cid=mm7013e2_w
[2] https://www.acog.org/news/news-releases/2021/05/acog-and-smfm-statement-on-covid-vaccination-during-pregnancy
[3] https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/pregnancy-breastfeeding.html
[4] https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/expect/after.html
[5] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-57317606
[6] https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.smfm.org/media/2728/AOGS-SMFM+COVID+Vaccine+Consensus+Statement.pdf
[7]https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/pregnancy-guidance.html#anchor_1618588302
[8] https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2103916
[9] https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2778631
*Note: this site does not provide medical opinions or diagnosis and should not be relied upon instead of receiving medical attention from a licensed medical professional.
