Frequently Asked Questions about Pregnancy and Fertility

Yes, CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccination for all people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to get pregnant now or in the future. Data show that pregnant and recently pregnant people are more likely than non-pregnant people to get severely ill if they are infected with COVID-19, and highly contagious variants make it even more important to get vaccinated. 

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and other leading health organizations are “strongly urging” anyone who is pregnant or planning to become pregnant to get vaccinated against COVID-19. 

If you are pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider to learn more about COVID-19 vaccination.

Updated December 14, 2023 

No, a COVID-19 vaccine will not increase the risk of miscarriage. Studies show that miscarriages can occur in 11% to 22% of all typical pregnancies. There is no evidence that pregnancy risks or complications are increased because of COVID-19 vaccines.

Data do show that experiencing a COVID-19 infection during pregnancy increases the risk of delivering a preterm or stillborn infant. This is why vaccination is a critical layer of protection for the pregnant person and the infant. COVID-19 vaccination provides antibodies to the pregnant person and the baby, protecting them both from the increased risk of serious illness.

There has been extensive and ongoing safety monitoring of the COVID-19 vaccines, including analysis of vaccination before and during pregnancy. These studies specifically demonstrate that COVID-19 vaccination does not cause or relate to the occurrence of a miscarriage. To date, no monitoring system or other studies have identified any association between miscarriage and COVID-19 vaccination.

Updated December 14, 2023 

No, there is no evidence that fertility is impacted by any vaccine, including the COVID-19 vaccines. 

Added December 14, 2023 

Yes, data show that after receiving mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, pregnant people can pass on their antibodies to the child. These antibodies have been found in umbilical cord blood, which means that the placenta has transferred protective immune cells from the vaccinated person to the infant. They have also been found in breastmilk

This transfer of antibodies to infants helps strengthen their vulnerable immune system when they’re too young for vaccination. In both of these cases, during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, more data are needed to determine how much protection these antibodies may provide to the baby.

Added December 14, 2023 

Misinformation Alerts about Pregnancy and Fertility

False claims circulate after a COVID-19 vaccine injury congressional hearing

A U.S. congressperson who has previously promoted conspiracy theories and false claims about COVID-19 held a congressional hearing about alleged vaccine “injuries” on November 13. Several anti-vaccine physicians and an attorney who has led dozens of anti-mandate lawsuits were among those who testified. The hearing provided a platform for many false claims including that COVID-19

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