How does the COVID-19 vaccine reduce the risk of pre-term birth?

Healthcare workers answer questions about the COVID-19 vaccines.

Joia Crear-Perry, MD, OB/GYN explains that pregnant people who contract COVID-19 are at increased risk of pre-term birth. The COVID-19 vaccine is the best defense against the virus and the baby coming too early. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine protects you and your baby.

 

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It’s hard to take care of a premature small baby and we know that patients who contract COVID while they’re pregnant, they’re having increased risk of having small babies. So, a way to keep that from happening is to become vaccinated because what that does is it decreases your risk of contracting the virus. And so that your babies can be protected, but also increase decrease your risk of being in the ICU. Because when mom is sick, mom, can’t help with baby mom can’t help with herself. And, so, it’s really important to have the vaccine for both ensuring that the baby can stay in and not come too early and be a great weight and also ensure that mom is not sick and mom can be healthy as well.

This information is shared for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. The views expressed are those of the featured medical professional and reflect information available to that professional at time of filming. Always consult a health care provider for any personal health decisions. Click here for vaccine FAQs from the CDC.

Stay up to date with your COVID vaccine, including boosters!

COVID vaccines are safe and effective for everyone ages 6 months and older.

Immunity wanes over time. Keep up your protection against COVID by getting boosted when eligible.

Updated (bivalent) boosters are now available for adults and children 6 months and older. 

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OB/GYNs, NURSES AND MIDWIVES ON THE COVID-19 VACCINES 7

THE CONVERSATION: Between Us, About Us.

Doctors, nurses, researchers and community health care workers provide facts and dispel misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccines in this FAQ video series from KFF with the Black Coalition Against COVID and UnidosUS.

A series for parents and caregivers created in partnership with the American Academy of Pediatrics provides the latest on the COVID-19 vaccine for kids.

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