COVID-19 Vaccine in Pregnancy: No Link to Autism or Developmental Delays, Studies Show

Recent research indicates that mRNA COVID-19 vaccination during or just before pregnancy does not increase the risk of autism or developmental delays in children. These findings offer reassurance to expectant parents and healthcare providers regarding the safety of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy.

New Research Findings

Researchers evaluated 434 children between 18 and 30 months of age for signs of autism and other developmental concerns. The study, conducted by the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network between May 2024 and March 2025, found no meaningful differences in developmental outcomes between children born to vaccinated mothers and those born to unvaccinated mothers. Source

A separate study, presented at The Pregnancy Meeting of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine in February 2026, assessed 3,956 mothers and their offspring. Researchers matched 217 pairs of children – those whose mothers received the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine during or within 30 days prior to pregnancy (exposed group) and those whose mothers did not (unexposed group) – and found no significant differences in neurodevelopmental outcomes as measured by the Ages and Stages Questionnaire. Source

Importance of Vaccination During Pregnancy

The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccination for individuals who are considering pregnancy, are pregnant, recently pregnant, or breastfeeding. Source Pregnancy increases the risk of severe illness from COVID-19 compared to non-pregnant individuals, and maternal immunization is the most effective way to reduce complications for both mother and baby. Source

Maternal immunization has been associated with improved infant outcomes and decreased hospitalizations for both mothers and infants. Source

Types of COVID-19 Vaccines

In the United States, both mRNA vaccines and protein subunit vaccines are recommended and considered safe during all stages of pregnancy. Source

Key Takeaways

• COVID-19 vaccination during or before pregnancy is not linked to an increased risk of autism or developmental delays in children.
• The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine recommends COVID-19 vaccination for those considering, currently, or recently pregnant, and for those who are breastfeeding.
• Maternal vaccination protects both the mother and the baby from severe illness and complications related to COVID-19.