COVID-19 Vaccination During Pregnancy and Neonatal Health: What the Evidence Shows
As of April 2026, extensive research continues to support the safety of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy, with no evidence linking it to adverse neonatal health outcomes. Major health organizations and peer-reviewed studies affirm that vaccinated pregnant individuals can protect themselves and their babies without increasing risks of complications such as small or large for gestational age births or neonatal health problems.
Understanding the Risks of COVID-19 in Pregnancy
Pregnant individuals face a higher risk of severe illness from SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to non-pregnant counterparts. Infection during pregnancy is associated with increased chances of hospitalization, intensive care admission, preterm birth, and other adverse outcomes. Vaccination remains a critical tool to reduce these risks.
What the Research Says About Vaccination and Neonatal Outcomes
A 2024 prospective cohort study using data from the Dutch Pregnancy Drug Register analyzed self-reported vaccination and neonatal health outcomes among 3,655 participants with singleton live births after at least 24 weeks gestation. The study found no statistically significant association between maternal COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy and:
- Small for gestational age (SGA) – adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR): 0.90; 95% CI: 0.59–1.36
- Large for gestational age (LGA) – aPR: 1.07; 95% CI: 0.70–1.63
- Neonatal health problems – aPR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.63–1.11
These results indicate that vaccination does not increase the risk of these neonatal outcomes. The findings align with broader evidence supporting the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnancy.
Guidance from Leading Health Authorities
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) continues to recommend that all pregnant, recently pregnant, lactating, and individuals planning pregnancy receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine. ACOG emphasizes that clinicians should provide a strong recommendation for vaccination, citing the proven benefits in preventing severe maternal illness and the absence of safety concerns for babies.
Similarly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) affirm that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective during pregnancy, based on ongoing monitoring of hundreds of thousands of vaccinated pregnant individuals globally.
Why Vaccination Matters for Both Parent and Child
Getting vaccinated during pregnancy helps protect the parent from severe disease and allows antibodies to transfer to the fetus, offering passive immunity after birth. This is especially important since infants under six months are not eligible for vaccination but remain vulnerable to serious complications from COVID-19.
There is no evidence that vaccination increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, or congenital anomalies. Ongoing surveillance systems have not detected any safety signals related to neonatal health following maternal vaccination.
Addressing Common Concerns
Some individuals worry about potential long-term effects on babies exposed to vaccines in utero. Current data, including long-term follow-up studies, present no developmental or health issues linked to maternal COVID-19 vaccination. Researchers continue to monitor outcomes, but to date, no risks have been identified.
It is as well important to note that side effects from vaccination in pregnant individuals are generally mild and similar to those seen in non-pregnant populations — such as soreness at the injection site, fatigue, or headache — and typically resolve within a few days.
Key Takeaways
- COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy is not associated with increased risk of SGA, LGA, or neonatal health problems.
- Pregnant individuals are at higher risk for severe COVID-19, making vaccination especially important.
- Major medical organizations, including ACOG, CDC, and WHO, recommend vaccination during pregnancy.
- Vaccination helps protect both the parent and the baby through antibody transfer.
- Ongoing research continues to confirm the safety of these vaccines in pregnancy.
Staying Informed and Protected
As new variants emerge and vaccines are updated, staying current with recommended doses remains the best way to protect against severe outcomes. Pregnant individuals should consult their healthcare provider to ensure they are up to date on vaccinations, including the latest COVID-19 booster.
Decisions about vaccination should be based on accurate, evidence-based information. The current consensus is clear: the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy far outweigh any theoretical risks, and there is no credible evidence of harm to neonatal health.