COVID-19 Vaccine in Pregnancy: New Research Reassures Parents
Recent findings presented at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) 2026 Pregnancy Meeting offer strong reassurance to expectant mothers: receiving an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine during or shortly before pregnancy is not linked to autism or other developmental disorders in children. This research, tracking over 400 toddlers, provides valuable data on the long-term health impacts of maternal vaccination.
The Study: A Deep Dive into Neurodevelopmental Outcomes
Researchers from the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network conducted a prospective, multi-center observational study between May 2024 and March 2025. The study involved 434 children aged 18 to 30 months. Half of these children (217) were born to mothers who had received at least one dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy or within 30 days prior. The other half served as a control group, born to mothers who hadn’t received the mRNA vaccine in that timeframe.
To ensure a fair comparison, mothers in the vaccinated and unvaccinated groups were matched based on key factors like delivery location (hospital or birth center), delivery date, insurance status, and race. Certain pregnancies were excluded – those ending before 37 weeks, multiple births, or cases with major congenital malformations – to refine the study’s focus.
How Was Development Assessed?
Researchers utilized the Ages and Stages Questionnaire Version 3, a screening tool evaluating progress in communication, gross and fine motor skills, problem-solving, and social interaction. They likewise incorporated the Child Behavior Checklist, Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, and the Early Childhood Behavior Questionnaire for a comprehensive assessment of behavioral and developmental patterns.
“Neurodevelopment outcomes in children born to mothers who received the COVID-19 vaccine during or shortly before pregnancy did not differ from those born to mothers who did not receive the vaccine,” stated Dr. George R. Saade, senior researcher and Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Old Dominion University.
Why This Research Matters: Addressing Parental Concerns
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges, and the rapid development of vaccines was met with both hope and hesitation. For pregnant individuals, the decision to vaccinate often involved weighing potential risks and benefits. This study directly addresses concerns about the potential impact of mRNA vaccines on a child’s neurodevelopment.
Both mRNA vaccines and protein subunit vaccines are recommended and considered safe during all stages of pregnancy to protect maternal and infant health.
Future Trends in Maternal Vaccination Research
This study represents a significant step forward, but ongoing research is crucial. Future studies will likely focus on:
- Longer-term follow-up: Tracking children for several years to assess developmental milestones beyond 30 months.
- Variant-specific vaccines: Evaluating the impact of vaccination with updated vaccines targeting new SARS-CoV-2 variants.
- Impact on other health outcomes: Investigating potential links between maternal vaccination and other childhood health conditions.
Dr. Brenna L. Hughes of Duke University emphasized the rigor of the study, noting it was conducted through an NIH clinical trials network, providing “reassuring findings regarding the long-term health of children whose mothers received COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What types of COVID-19 vaccines were studied?
A: This research specifically focused on mRNA COVID-19 vaccines.
Q: How many children were included in the study?
A: The study involved 434 children between 18 and 30 months of age.
Q: What developmental areas were assessed?
A: Researchers evaluated communication, gross motor skills, fine motor skills, problem-solving, and personal-social interaction.
Q: Where can I find the full study results?
A: An oral abstract of the study will be published in the February 2026 issue of PREGNANCY.
Did you recognize? The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development funded this important research.
Pro Tip: Always discuss your vaccination options with your healthcare provider to make informed decisions based on your individual circumstances.
Stay informed about the latest research on maternal health and vaccination. Explore additional resources from the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What questions do you still have about COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
