A recent study published in The BMJ suggests that receiving a COVID-19 vaccine during the first trimester of pregnancy does not significantly increase the risk of birth defects in babies. Researchers examined data from national health registries in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, comparing outcomes for pregnant women who received either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine early in pregnancy, those who contracted COVID-19 during the first trimester, and those who were neither vaccinated nor infected.
The study followed over 343,000 babies born between March 2020 and February 2022, with each infant monitored for at least nine months. Results showed that babies born to vaccinated mothers did not face a higher risk of major congenital anomalies compared to those born to mothers who were infected with COVID-19 in the first trimester or those who were neither vaccinated nor infected. These anomalies included conditions affecting the heart, brain, eyes, face, lungs, limbs, kidneys, genitals, and gastrointestinal system.
Factors such as maternal age, smoking during pregnancy, body mass index, socioeconomic status, and other health conditions were taken into account during the evaluation. The study also found no increased risk of major birth defects linked to fetal deaths attributable to COVID-19 infection or vaccination in the first trimester.
Despite some limitations, such as incomplete data on the number of vaccine doses administered to pregnant women and criteria for COVID-19 infection classification, the researchers emphasized that their findings support current recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination in pregnant women. They underscored that vaccination could potentially safeguard both mothers and infants from adverse outcomes associated with COVID-19.
In conclusion, the study contributes to mounting evidence that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, like those developed by Pfizer and Moderna, are safe to administer before and during pregnancy, without heightening risks of complications such as miscarriage, premature birth, stillbirth, or birth defects. It aligns with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which encourages vaccination for pregnant individuals and those considering pregnancy, as well as breastfeeding women, citing the increased risks of severe illness and pregnancy complications associated with COVID-19 infection.
