COVID-19 Vaccination in Pregnancy
One Vax Two Lives | June 15, 2025
In this week’s newsletter, we answer common questions and address common myths regarding the COVID-19 vaccine in pregnancy. To learn more, check out the links at the bottom of this post or go to onevaxtwolives.com.
1. Is the COVID-19 vaccination safe for me and my baby?
To date, hundreds of thousands of pregnant individuals in the US have received at least one of the COVID-19 vaccines. Numerous studies with thousands of pregnant and breastfeeding individuals have shown that COVID-19 vaccinations are safe and effective. The COVID-19 vaccines are mRNA vaccines that do not contain a “live virus” and therefore do not pose a risk to the developing baby.
2. Is the COVID-19 vaccine associated with increased risk of miscarriage or stillbirth?
It is estimated that 11% to 22% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage. In a study following 2,456 pregnant people who received the COVID-19 vaccine, a miscarriage occurred in 12.8%. This demonstrates that there is no increase in risk of miscarriage or stillbirth associated with the COVID-19 vaccine. This has been supported by a systematic and scientific analysis of multiple studies.
3. Can I still get COVID-19 during pregnancy if I get the vaccine?
The COVID-19 vaccine does not guarantee that you will never become infected with COVID-19. However, getting the COVID-19 vaccine significantly reduces your risk of getting infected while pregnant. Also, studies have shown that pregnant individuals who are vaccinated and contract COVID-19 are less likely to be hospitalized than those who are not vaccinated.
4. Am I more susceptible to COVID-19 or worse COVID-19 infection while pregnant?
Several factors, such as altered immune systems and bodily stress, cause the pregnant population to be more susceptible to severe COVID-19 disease. Studies have shown that pregnant or recently postpartum individuals who contract COVID-19 have a higher risk of death, hospitalization, needing a breathing tube, preterm delivery, or stillbirth. Delivering the baby prematurely (weeks or months earlier than due) can benefit the health of the mother but put the infant’s health at risk. Overall, pregnant individuals with COVID-19 are 19 times more likely to die in pregnancy compared to uninfected pregnant people.
5. When should I get the COVID-19 vaccine during my pregnancy?
It is safe for you and your baby to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at any point in pregnancy. Given the risks of COVID-19 infection in pregnancy and complications for your health and your baby’s health, the sooner you get vaccinated, the more protected you both will be.
6. Is COVID-19 vaccine linked to birth defects?
The COVID-19 vaccine is not linked to an increase in birth defects. A study of 78,052 pregnancies showed no difference in the rate of birth defects between vaccinated and unvaccinated pregnancies.
7. Should I still get the COVID-19 vaccine if I have already had the COVID-19 infection?
The vaccine triggers the body to more robust protective antibodies than infection. This is important because these protective antibodies can be successfully transferred to the baby during pregnancy. Also, many people can contract COVID-19 more than once, which is likely the case due to the weaker immune response that comes from natural infections.
8. Will the vaccine also provide protection to my baby via breastmilk?
Breast milk offers much more than nutrition. It’s long been known to carry protective antibodies from mother to infant, shielding them from infection. Recent studies have shown that similar protective antibodies against COVID-19 transfer in breast milk following vaccination. This additional protection is helpful at a time when infants are susceptible to infection due to their immature immune systems.
Other Experts Weigh in on the COVID-19 Vaccine in Pregnancy:
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists strongly recommends that pregnant individuals get the COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy.
Recently, the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, an expert organization in high-risk pregnancies, reaffirmed its strong recommendation for pregnant patients to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recently published a blog post highlighting its strong recommendation for pregnant individuals to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
The American Academy of Family Physicians released a statement in response to recent changes in COVID-19 vaccination recommendations, which they consider politically motivated. They reaffirmed their strong recommendation for pregnant women and children to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.