How safe are Covid-19 vaccines during pregnancy?
Evidence about the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy and breastfeeding, although limited, has been growing.
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you may be concerned about the safety of the Covid-19 vaccines. When in doubt, it’s always best to consult your healthcare provider for expert advice.
What you need to know
Evidence about the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy has been growing. Data suggests that the benefits of receiving a Covid-19 vaccine outweigh any known or potential risks of vaccination during pregnancy.
A recent Covid-19 vaccine study indicates that vaccinations on pregnant and breastfeeding women show a healthy immune response.
A study titled “COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy and lactation” is the light that mothers and health professionals have been waiting for. Until now, it was unknown what the effects of vaccinations were on pregnant and breastfeeding moms. The study was accepted by the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology on 22 March and published on 25 March.
What does the study show?
The study has found that Covid-19 vaccines are highly effective in creating antibodies against the virus. These antibodies are equally beneficial for newborns and children in utero. The antibodies travel to a child through the placenta and breastfeeding as well.
The study had 131 women in the below categories:
- 84 pregnant
- 31 breastfeeding
- 16 non-pregnant
Which vaccines are found to be safe?
The study was looking at the messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “an mRNA vaccine works by encoding a portion of the spike protein found on the surface of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.”
When deciding which vaccine is best for you and your circumstances, always speak to your doctor about the risks and benefits of the different vaccinations available.
Good to know
Although rare, some people have had allergic reactions after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have a history of allergic reaction to any other vaccine or injectable therapy (intramuscular, intravenous, or subcutaneous).
