Debunking Myths About COVID Vaccines and Their Impact on Pregnancy and Miscarriage
As the world continues to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic, vaccines have emerged as a beacon of hope. However, there has been some confusion around their safety for pregnant women or those trying to conceive. In this article, we will debunk myths surrounding COVID-19 vaccines' impact on pregnancy and miscarriage.
Myth 1: The vaccine can cause infertility in women.
This myth stems from misinformation that the spike protein found in the virus is similar to a protein involved in placental formation. Some people believe that getting vaccinated could lead to an immune response that attacks this protein and causes infertility.
However, there is no scientific evidence supporting this claim. According to Dr. Laura Riley, chair of obstetrics and gynecology at Weill Cornell Medicine-New York Presbyterian Hospital, "There's absolutely no biologic plausibility for it."
Furthermore, several studies have shown no link between vaccination and reduced fertility rates among women who received either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna shots.
Myth 2: Getting vaccinated during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage.
Another common misconception is that receiving a COVID-19 vaccine while pregnant may increase your chances of having a miscarriage. This theory likely originated because early clinical trials did not include many pregnant participants due to ethical concerns about exposing developing fetuses to new drugs or treatments.
However, recent research suggests otherwise. A study published in JAMA Pediatrics analyzed data from over 35k pregnancies after mRNA-based vaccinations were authorized under emergency use authorization (EUA). The results showed no increased risk of spontaneous abortion (miscarriage) among individuals who had received one dose before conception or during pregnancy compared with unvaccinated individuals matched by propensity score – meaning they shared similar characteristics such as age range or pre-existing health conditions.
In fact, experts argue that getting vaccinated during pregnancy may actually reduce the risk of severe COVID-19 infection, which can lead to complications such as preterm labor or stillbirth.
Myth 3: Breastfeeding women should not get vaccinated.
Some people believe that breast milk could be affected by the vaccine and harm nursing infants. However, there is no evidence to support this claim. In fact, studies have shown that antibodies generated from vaccination can be passed on through breast milk and help protect babies against COVID-19.
According to Dr. Riley, "There's really good data now showing that when moms are vaccinated during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, they pass along some immunity through their breast milk."
Future Advances
While current research supports the safety of COVID-19 vaccines for pregnant women and those trying to conceive, ongoing studies will continue to provide more information about potential risks and benefits.
For example, a study currently underway at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston aims to investigate whether getting vaccinated during pregnancy may also offer protection against other respiratory infections like influenza or RSV (respiratory syncytial virus).
Another study led by researchers at Yale University School of Medicine will examine how maternal vaccination affects fetal immune system development over time – specifically looking at T cells' function in newborns born after mothers received mRNA-based vaccines during pregnancy.
As more data becomes available, it is essential to rely on credible sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or World Health Organization (WHO) for accurate information about COVID-19 vaccines' safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
In conclusion, debunking myths surrounding COVID-19 vaccines' impact on pregnancy and miscarriage is crucial in promoting public health. The scientific evidence overwhelmingly supports getting vaccinated for pregnant individuals who want protection against the coronavirus without worrying about potential harms like infertility or miscarriage. As we continue our fight against this deadly virus globally let us all make sure we stay informed with facts so we can take necessary precautions towards staying safe together.
*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.
