The Effects of COVID-19 Vaccination on Neonatal and Pregnancy Outcomes

Abstract

Background: While general health complications of COVID-19 have been widely studied, the effect of COVID-19 vaccination on pregnant patients is yet to be explored. Vaccination is a highly stigmatized topic in Georgia, which increases reluctance toward COVID-19 immunizations, especially during pregnancy. Objectives: This study employs a retrospective cohort analysis approach to examine whether there is a statistically significant association between vaccination status and maternal and neonatal health. Methods: The data was collected from 229 patients who gave birth in Georgia between January and July 2022. Women who were not vaccinated were compared to those who were either vaccinated during pregnancy or six months before conception to explore their pregnancy progression and neonatal outcomes. Patients were divided into two groups: COVID-19-positive and COVID-19-negative. Results: No statistically significant associations were found between the groups concerning the mode of delivery, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, gestational age, neonatal outcomes, newborn respiratory complications, Apgar score, and birth weight, which hints at the general safety of vaccination. Conclusions: Maternal COVID-19 vaccination has no detrimental impact on neonatal outcomes or the progression/outcomes of pregnancy.