Can Getting a COVID Vaccine Increase Your Risk of Miscarriage? Here's What Experts Say
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected every aspect of our lives, including pregnancy. Pregnant women are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 and have an increased risk of adverse outcomes such as preterm birth, stillbirth, and cesarean delivery. In response to this, many pregnant women are seeking information about the safety of getting vaccinated against COVID-19.
One concern that has been raised is whether getting a COVID vaccine can increase the risk of miscarriage. Miscarriage is a common occurrence in pregnancy and happens when the fetus dies before 20 weeks gestation. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), up to 25% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage.
So far, there is no evidence that getting a COVID vaccine increases the risk of miscarriage. A recent study published in JAMA found no difference in rates of miscarriages among those who received the vaccine compared to those who did not receive it [1]. Another study published by ACOG also found no increased risk for miscarriage after vaccination [2].
Experts believe that there is no biological reason why getting a COVID vaccine would increase the risk for miscarriage. The vaccines do not contain live virus or any ingredients that could harm fetal development [3]. Moreover, some data suggests that pregnant people may actually mount stronger immune responses after receiving certain vaccines than non-pregnant individuals due to changes in their immune system during pregnancy [4].
However, it should be noted that most clinical trials did not include pregnant individuals so more research needs to be done on long-term effects on both mother and child.
It’s important for expectant mothers to discuss their options with their healthcare providers since each individual case varies based on health history and other factors.
Future Advances
As we continue through these unprecedented times with new variants emerging, researchers are working on developing new vaccines. In fact, Moderna has already begun testing a booster shot specifically designed to target the B.1.351 variant first identified in South Africa [5].
Additionally, Pfizer-BioNTech is currently conducting clinical trials for their vaccine on pregnant individuals and will continue monitoring those who become pregnant after receiving the vaccine [6].
It’s important to note that research surrounding COVID-19 and pregnancy is still ongoing and more data may emerge as time goes on.
References:
[1] Shimabukuro TT, Kim SY, Myers TR et al. Preliminary Findings of mRNA Covid-19 Vaccine Safety in Pregnant Persons. N Engl J Med 2021;384:2273-2282
[2] American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Vaccinating Pregnant and Lactating Patients Against COVID-19. Accessed May 12th 2021 from https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-advisory/articles/2020/12/vaccinating-pregnant-and-lactating-patients-against-covid-19
[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination Updated April 21st 2021 Accessed May 12th from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/pregnancy.html
[4] Collier AY et al., Immunogenicity of COVID‐19 mRNA Vaccines in Pregnant and Lactating Women JAMA Published online April 21st , doi:10.1001/jama.2021.5782.
[5] Moderna Announces Clinical Trial Of Booster Shot For South African Variant By Jonathan Ponciano Forbes Staff Apr 14th , accessed May13th from https://www.forbes.com/sites/jonathanponciano/2021/04/14/moderna-announces-clinical-trial-of-booster-shot-for-south-african-variant/?sh=7f3b4d6e5a8b
[6] Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. Accessed May 13th from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/Pfizer-BioNTech.html
*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.
