No link between COVID-19 vaccination and preterm births or stillbirths: study
There is no link between COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy and a higher risk of preterm birth or stillbirth, according to a new Ottawa-based study.
The population-based study led by the CHEO Research Institute, published in The BMJ, sheds new light on the risks and benefits of COVID-19
“Our study found no evidence of increased risk of preterm birth, very preterm birth, small-for-gestational-age at birth, or stillbirth following COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy,” lead author Dr. Deshayne Fell, scientists at the CHEO Research Institute and associate professor at the University of Ottawa, said in a news release.
“The results of this study provide further evidence for care providers and pregnant people about the safety of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy.”
Researchers looked at more than 85,000 births between May 1 and Dec. 31, 2021, using the provincial birth registry based out of CHEO. They linked that information to the province’s COVID-19 immunization database.
Of those, more than 43,000 occurred in people who received one or more dose of a COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy (nearly all received an mRNA vaccine, mainly Pfizer or Moderna).
The study found that vaccination during pregnancy was not associated with any increased risk of overall preterm birth (6.5% among vaccinated v 6.9% among unvaccinated), spontaneous preterm birth (3.7% v 4.4%), or very preterm birth (0.59% v 0.89%). No increase was found in risk of small for gestational age at birth (9.1% v 9.2%) or stillbirth (0.25% v 0.44%).
The findings were similar regardless of what stage in the pregnancy the vaccine was given, the number of doses, or which mRNA vaccine was received.
Researchers say a wide range of factors were taken into account, including the mother’s age at delivery, pre-pregnancy body mass index, reported smoking or substance use during
pregnancy, pre-existing health conditions, number of previous live births and stillbirths, area of residence and income.
COVID-19 infections during pregnancy have been associated with a higher risk of complications, including preterm birth and stillbirth.
The project was supported by the Public Health Agency of Canada through the Vaccine Surveillance Reference Group and the COVID-19 Immunity Task Force.
Researchers say there are still unanswered questions that need more work, such as COVID-19 vaccination around the time of conception and using non-mRNA vaccines during pregnancy.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
NEW Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.