Safety of COVID-19 Vaccination in Pregnancy

COVID-19 vaccines are deemed safe during pregnancy. Since neonates can suffer severe illness, maternal vaccination is vital for potentially safeguarding them.

This cross-sectional study was conducted over one year, from November 21, 2021, to October 20, 2022, at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in A.S.J.S.A.T.D.S. Medical College, Fatehpur – within the hospital setting. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness, safety, attitudes, side effects, and maternal-neonatal outcomes associated with COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant women.

Out of 3,320 pregnant women who delivered, only 35.24% received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The majority, 69.23%, were unaware of the vaccine type. Overall, 66.15% of the women received both vaccine doses pre-pregnancy, while 12.30% had received only the first dose before pregnancy. After the first dose, fever with chills was the most common side effect, whereas fatigue prevailed after the second dose. No instances of rash or allergic reactions were reported. 

Vaginal delivery occurred in 56.15% of cases, 37.69% underwent lower (uterine) segment Caesarean section (LSCS) for various obstetric reasons, and 6.15% had instrumental deliveries. During pregnancy, 38.46% developed anemia, 11.54% experienced preterm labor, and 2.05% were diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Additionally, 2.30% developed preeclampsia, and 3.85% developed hypothyroidism. In the intrapartum period, 3.07% experienced prolonged labor, and 6.92% of women had postpartum hemorrhage. Approximately half (50.77%) of the newborns weighed between 2.5-2.9 kg, with the majority achieving an APGAR score of 7 or higher at 5 minutes. Meanwhile, meconium aspiration syndrome affected 14.62% of newborns, 3.84% experienced respiratory distress syndrome, and 20.34% required NICU admission for more than 24 hours.

The data did not provide evidence of an elevated risk of adverse outcomes following COVID-19 vaccination. Thus, vaccination during pregnancy is advocated as the benefits outweigh the potential risks.

Source: Shree P, Verma V, Patel N. et al. J Obstet Gynecol India. 2024.