Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe if I am trying to get pregnant?

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world has been shrouded in uncertainty. We are facing insecurity on many fronts: economic, mental, and, of course, physical. Every day, we are bombarded with information that is either unintelligible, contradictory, or uncertain, which only serves to increase our doubts. At Fertilidad Integral, we want to help you navigate these turbulent waters so you can move forward with your journey with as much peace of mind as possible regarding the question: Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe if I am trying to get pregnant?

The dilemma is clear: how do I keep myself and my future family healthy? Could the coronavirus vaccine affect my fertility treatment? What are the risks? Don't worry, we will take it one step at a time. But to make an informed decision, you need to see the full picture.

The risks: Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe if I am trying to get pregnant?

You have likely heard a lot about the consequences of COVID-19 on the human body. But what about pregnant individuals? The reality is that they are at a higher risk of being hospitalized due to complications related to the virus. Recent studies have indicated that pregnant individuals are 20 times more likely to die if they contract coronavirus. This is one of the reasons they were categorized as a vulnerable population in many countries. Here are some of the consequences the virus can have on pregnancy:

• Higher risk of requiring a C-section
• Higher probability of preterm birth
• Higher probability of developing hypertensive disorders during pregnancy
• Higher risk of postpartum hemorrhage.

Okay, but what are the risks of getting the COVID-19 vaccine?

One of the many (many) rumors about the vaccine is that it can cause infertility. Although it is true that pregnant individuals were not included as a priority in clinical trials, this is no cause for alarm; scientists have concluded that the ingredients and methodologies used in the vaccines have no effect on pregnant individuals or fertility. Furthermore, during the Pfizer and Moderna trials, several cases were recorded of patients who became pregnant during the trial periods, and none experienced adverse effects on their pregnancy. Other studies have been conducted to determine if the vaccine has any negative effect on animal pregnancy; no complications were found in female reproduction, fetal development, or postnatal development. 

While this information may not be conclusive, we have access to more data every day thanks to those who have already been vaccinated. So far, the only risk recorded as a consequence of the vaccine is a common side effect in the general population: the possibility of a fever after the injection. In animals, fever during the early stages of gestation is linked to a slight increase in the risk of birth defects and miscarriage. However, this can be managed with medication that is safe for pregnant individuals to lower the fever... always keep acetaminophen on hand!

Well... what about fertility?

If only there were a study to see if the vaccine affects in vitro fertilization! Wait... there is! This study was conducted specifically to see if any of the components of the coronavirus vaccine could cause you problems with conceiving. To do this, they divided patients into three groups: those with antibodies from the vaccine, those with antibodies from a recent COVID-19 infection, and those with no antibodies at all. They found no difference between the three groups, as the chances of a successful pregnancy remained stable. Additionally, the results from nearly 2,500 pregnant individuals vaccinated before the 20th week of pregnancy showed no increased risk of miscarriage.

What about male fertility?

Of course, and currently, there is no evidence that vaccines can cause male infertility problems. A study of 45 participants showed no difference in sperm characteristics (quality and motility) before and after the vaccine. And, although fever is associated with a decrease in sperm count, there is no evidence that fever affects sperm production following the coronavirus vaccine.

Finally... the benefits!

As you have likely heard, COVID-19 vaccines reduce the risk of infection. But, above all, they reduce the chances of severe illness and hospitalization, and therefore, they reduce the risk during pregnancy. Additionally, some studies have found antibodies in the umbilical cords of individuals vaccinated with Pfizer or Moderna, as well as an increase in antibodies in breast milk. This means you could pass your immunity on to your baby!