COVID-19 Vaccination During Pregnancy May Reduce Preeclampsia Risk

New research suggests that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy, particularly with a booster dose, is associated with a significantly lower risk of preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication. The findings, published in eClinicalMedicine, offer valuable insights into preeclampsia prevention and reinforce the importance of vaccination during pregnancy.

What is Preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is a condition that develops during pregnancy, typically after 20 weeks, characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organ systems, most often the liver and kidneys. It can lead to severe complications for both mother and baby, including preterm birth, seizures and even death.

The INTERCOVID Consortium Study

A multinational study conducted by the INTERCOVID Consortium analyzed data from 6,527 pregnant women across 18 countries, enrolled between 2020 and 2022. Researchers compared vaccinated and unvaccinated women, with and without SARS-CoV-2 infection, to assess the impact of vaccination on preeclampsia rates.

Key Findings

• COVID-19 Infection and Preeclampsia: Pregnant individuals with COVID-19 had a 45% increased risk of preeclampsia. This risk rose to 78% among unvaccinated women with COVID-19.
• Vaccination and Preeclampsia Reduction: Vaccination reduced the overall odds of preeclampsia among women receiving a booster dose by 33%.
• Booster Dose Benefits: The protective effect of vaccination was more pronounced with the use of booster doses.

Expert Perspectives

“Our results support the importance of strengthening COVID vaccination programs during pregnancy, emphasizing boosters and ensuring that pregnant people across the world have equitable access to the vaccine,” said Dr. Jagjit S. Teji, a neonatologist at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

COVID-19 and Pregnancy Outcomes

COVID-19 infection during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of not only preeclampsia but as well other adverse outcomes. The Preeclampsia Foundation emphasizes the importance of following healthcare provider recommendations to stay healthy and avoid COVID-19 during pregnancy.

Important Considerations

The Preeclampsia Foundation stresses that pregnant individuals should not delay seeking medical care for preeclampsia symptoms due to fear of contracting COVID-19. Immediate monitoring and treatment are crucial for ensuring the best possible outcomes for both mother and baby.

Looking Ahead

These findings underscore the critical role of COVID-19 vaccination in protecting pregnant individuals from severe complications like preeclampsia. Continued research and equitable access to vaccines remain essential for improving pregnancy outcomes worldwide. Leading medical societies, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, continue to recommend COVID-19 vaccinations for pregnant patients.