Despite numerous studies showing the safety of Covid-19 vaccines during pregnancy, false claims about miscarriage risks are spreading online. These claims are based on a faulty interpretation of data from a 2021 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Study Details
The study tracked outcomes for nearly 4,000 women who received Covid-19 vaccines in the early months of the rollout. Among them, 827 women had a completed pregnancy, with 712 live births, 104 spontaneous abortions or miscarriages, and 11 other outcomes. Initially, the researchers suggested a 12.6% miscarriage rate, comparable to the average miscarriage rate of 10% to 20%.
However, a correction was issued to clarify that there was not enough data to calculate the risk of miscarriage using this particular study. The follow-up time was limited, and outcomes were unknown for the vast majority of participants. Critics have misinterpreted the study data, leading to an overestimation of miscarriage risk of 82%.
Expert Opinions
Experts in public health and pregnancy care emphasize that the benefits of the Covid-19 vaccine for pregnant women and their babies significantly outweigh any risk. Dr. Kevin Ault, an ob/gyn and president-elect of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, stated that Covid-19 vaccination during pregnancy reduces the risk of maternal deaths, severe illnesses, ICU stays, stillbirth, and preterm deliveries.
Dr. Brenna Hughes, chair of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine’s Infectious Disease and Emerging Threats Committee, noted that the world’s literature on this topic includes hundreds of thousands of women, and the benefits of the vaccine are incredibly clear.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
