Benefits of COVID-19 Vaccination During Pregnancy for Babies

As time passes and top health organizations, such as the CDC and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, continue to urge those who are pregnant to get vaccinated against COVID-19, we continue to learn more about the benefits of the vaccine for both mothers and babies. At NJPA, we understand the hesitancy around the vaccine, especially for pregnant women, but we continue to urge patients to get vaccinated to stay protected during this exciting time in their lives. Recent studies have shown an additional benefit to vaccination during pregnancy – protection for your baby. A new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that infants born to mothers who received two doses of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy were less likely to be hospitalized for COVID-19 in the first six months of life. Learn more from our perinatologists at NJPA below.

COVID-19 Vaccine Protection for Babies – Study Results

As part of this study, the CDC teamed up with researchers from several pediatric hospitals and looked at children under six months old between July 2021 and January 2022. Analyzing data from 379 hospitalized infants (176 with COVID-19 and 203 with other issues), they found that in children whose mothers were vaccinated during pregnancy, COVID-19 vaccines were 61% effective in preventing infant hospitalizations. The protection benefits were even greater when the mothers were vaccinated closer to their delivery – 80% for those vaccinated 21 weeks to 14 days before their babies were born. Being vaccinated earlier in pregnancy was associated with a lower chance of protection. Estimates for effectiveness earlier in pregnancy will require additional research due to the small sample size in this study. 

Importance of COVID-19 Vaccination During Pregnancy

At NJPA, we strongly agree with the guidelines set forth by the CDC, the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM), and other maternal and perinatal health organizations by encouraging all those who are pregnant to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Contracting COVID-19 during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of severe illness, ICU admission, needing to be on a ventilator, and death, along with an increased risk of preterm delivery and stillbirth. The available COVID-19 vaccines are not shown to have any adverse effects on pregnancy or cause infertility or pregnancy loss. Getting vaccinated protects both mother and baby and is advised by our physicians at NJPA.

Seeking Guidance During Pregnancy

We understand that it can be difficult to determine what exactly is best for you and your baby during pregnancy. We would be happy to answer any questions you have about COVID-19 vaccination and are proud to provide additional information from medical societies urging pregnant women to get vaccinated. We want our patients to feel confident in all decisions made for their health and the health of their babies and work to help patients navigate their pregnancies during the pandemic.

Comprehensive High-Risk Pregnancy Care Services in NJ

At our high-risk pregnancy centers in Belleville, Livingston, Paramus, Parsippany, Teaneck, Warren, and Westfield, we provide high-risk pregnancy care in several areas, working with expectant mothers from preconception to labor and delivery. Our services in NJ include:

• Prenatal Diagnosis
  • Ultrasound
  • Non-Invasive Testing
  • Genetic Counseling Services
  • Genetic Screening
• Medical Complications of Pregnancy
  • Preconception Counseling
  • Risk Assessment and Planning
  • Assessment During Pregnancy
• Pregnancy-Related Complications
  • Preterm Birth Prevention
  • Multiple Gestations
  • Placenta Previa Abruption and Vasa Previa
  • Intrauterine Growth Restriction
  • Hypertension and Preeclampsia

Schedule an Appointment for Compassionate High-Risk Pregnancy Care in New Jersey

We are proud to provide our services and guidance to expectant mothers at all stages of pregnancy and help them achieve healthy and successful births. We work hand in hand with our referring doctors to make sure all members of a patient’s care team are kept in the loop at all times, and we will make sure you understand the “why” behind all decisions made for your health and the health of your baby. To learn more about the care we provide or to schedule an appointment at the location nearest you, please contact NJPA today.

Resources

Learn more about the information discussed above here:

• The New York Times
• Reuters
• The Hill
• The Wall Street Journal