How Does COVID-19 Vaccination Impact Pregnant Women? Explained by A Doctor

Pregnant women vaccine impact: Pregnant women are considered among one of the most vulnerable groups exposed to the COVID-19. Therefore, protecting them and their unborn child must be prioritised.

Though the vaccination drive going on in our country has proved to be effective so far, people are still doubtful about its impact on expecting mothers. SheThePeople spoke with Gynaecologist Dr. Sudeshna Ray regarding this and she cleared all our doubts.

Is it safe for pregnant women to take the COVID-19 vaccine?

Pregnant women are at increased risk of severe COVID-19-associated illness compared with non-pregnant women and are considered as a high risk group. The risk of hospitalisation, intensive care unit admission, mechanical ventilation and even death is slightly increased in pregnant women. Thus, preventing critical COVID-19 infection is of paramount importance for both the mother and her unborn baby

However, since the clinical trials of COVID 19 vaccines specifically on pregnant women has been still going on, the data available to us is limited. Animal studies have been reassuring and don’t show any detrimental effects on the mother or the baby.

The International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (FIGO) considers that there are no risks – actual or theoretical – that would outweigh the potential benefits of vaccination for pregnant women. FIGO supports offering COVID-19 vaccination to pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Do COVID-19 vaccines cause malformation in an unborn baby?

Neither COVID infection nor Vaccination has been observed to have any malformations in an unborn baby.

Do COVID-19 vaccines affect fertility?

No evidence of causing any fertility concern with vaccination. A small study showed a very minor temporary damage to sperm quality following COVID infection but no evidence of affection of any fertility factor has been observed with COVID 19 vaccination so far

Should Pregnant Women in First Trimester Take The COVID-19 Vaccine?

Yes, they can. No evidence against vaccination in first trimester

Can COVID-19 Vaccine Cause Miscarriage for Pregnant Women?

No, neither COVID infection nor vaccination is associated with any increase risk of miscarriage in pregnancy.

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