A recent study conducted by Yale researchers has found no link between COVID-19 vaccination and stillbirths. The study, published in Obstetrics and Gynecology, revealed that pregnant women who received COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy were actually at a decreased risk of preterm birth.
The case-control study, led by Dr. Anna Denoble from Yale School of Medicine, compared 276 stillbirths with 822 live births over a one-year period. The results showed no association between pregnant individuals receiving the COVID-19 vaccine and stillbirth outcomes.
Dr. Denoble, the assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences, emphasized the importance of providing reassurance to expecting parents regarding the safety of COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy. The study aimed to dispel any concerns about potential harm to pregnancies due to the vaccine.
Dr. Sangini Sheth, an associate professor at Yale, was also part of the research team. Despite the ongoing challenge of vaccine hesitancy, the researchers highlighted that vaccination remains a crucial tool in preventing COVID-19-related hospitalizations and morbidity, especially for pregnant women.
The study analyzed data from the CDC’s Vaccine Safety Datalink, comparing COVID-19 vaccine receipt during pregnancy between individuals with stillbirths and those with live births. The analysis considered various factors such as maternal age, pregnancy start date, and exposure to the vaccine. The findings showed no significant difference in COVID-19 vaccination rates between the two groups.
Furthermore, the research team found no association based on the vaccine manufacturer or the number of vaccine doses received during pregnancy. These results align with previous research conducted by the same team, emphasizing the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy.