The effect of coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination on pregnant women: A scoping review

Abstract

Background: Globally, reports have shown that pregnant women refuse to receive the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine. This has posed a significant concern given the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Aim: This study aims to explore the current evidence on the effect of COVID-19 vaccination on pregnant women. Method: A scoping review was conducted using Levac et al.’s five-stage framework. Relevant articles were searched in the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and EBSCOhost (CINAHL) databases. The identified articles were screened based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data from the selected articles were charted and summarised into meaningful units. Results: Twelve articles from developed countries were included in the review. Studies have reported that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy is generally safe and does not increase the risk of pregnancy complications. There was no significant difference in delivery outcomes between vaccinated and unvaccinated women. Neonatal outcomes were not affected by the vaccination. However, one study identified a potential risk of spontaneous abortion between 6 and 9 weeks of gestation among vaccinated women. Conclusion: Coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination is considered safe during pregnancy. While some studies have identified potential associations with certain conditions, the overall benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks. Continued monitoring of the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy is recommended. Pregnant women should consult healthcare providers to make informed decisions regarding vaccination. Contribution: The findings of this review may assist in alleviating anxiety and reducing vaccine hesitancy among pregnant women.