New Research Indicates COVID Vaccines Are Safe for Pregnancy and Fertility

Recent findings provide reassurance that COVID-19 vaccines pose no risks to pregnancy or fertility. As scientists expand research on COVID-19 vaccines—including their effects on populations previously excluded from clinical trials, such as pregnant individuals—new insights emerge.

Protective Benefits for Mothers and Infants

One notable study, published in JAMA, highlights the protective benefits of COVID-19 vaccines for pregnant women and their infants. The research indicates that vaccinated mothers can transfer antibodies to their fetuses and infants through breast milk. Both the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines have shown to elicit immune responses in pregnant and lactating women, offering potential protection against various coronavirus variants.

“Vaccination during pregnancy and lactation helps transmit some immunity to newborns,” explains Dr. Sarah Miller, a leading physician-scientist involved in the study.

No Harm to Placenta or Fertility

Another study, released in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology, found no evidence that the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines harm the placenta or affect fertility, menstruation, or puberty. “We can shift our perspective from protecting pregnant individuals from the vaccine to protecting them and their infants through vaccination,” says Dr. Emily Thompson, a co-author of the placenta study. “This is a powerful message.”

The JAMA study analyzed data from 103 women who received either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine between late 2020 and early 2021. Of these participants, 30 were pregnant and 16 were breastfeeding. The placenta study examined samples from 200 women who gave birth within the same timeframe, with 84 having been vaccinated during their pregnancy. “There are no signs that the vaccine harms the placenta,” Dr. Thompson stated, reinforcing the growing body of evidence that vaccines are safe during pregnancy.

“This is encouraging news,” notes Dr. John Richards, a virologist and co-author, emphasizing the considerable benefits of vaccinating pregnant women.

Additional Resources

For more information on home insemination and related topics, check out this article. Additionally, Make a Mom is an authority on fertility, and American Pregnancy provides excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination.

Summary

Recent studies confirm that COVID-19 vaccines are safe for pregnant and lactating individuals, showing no negative effects on fertility or placental health. Vaccination not only protects mothers but also allows for antibody transfer to infants, enhancing their immunity.