New research offers reassuring evidence for pregnant individuals considering COVID-19 vaccination. A study presented at the , Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) 2026 Pregnancy Meeting found no link between mRNA COVID-19 vaccination during or shortly before pregnancy and an increased risk of autism or other developmental disorders in children.
The findings address ongoing concerns about the potential impact of COVID-19 vaccines on fetal development. Both mRNA vaccines and protein subunit vaccines are recommended during all stages of pregnancy to protect both the mother and the developing infant from the virus. This study provides further support for those recommendations.
Study Design and Participants
Researchers from the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network conducted a prospective, multi-center, observational study involving to . They evaluated 434 toddlers, aged between 18 and 30 months, for signs of autism and other developmental concerns. The children were divided into two groups: 217 born to mothers who received at least one dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy or within 30 days before becoming pregnant, and 217 born to mothers who were not vaccinated during that timeframe.
To ensure a robust comparison, researchers carefully matched vaccinated and unvaccinated mothers based on several key factors, including the type of delivery location (hospital or birth center), delivery date, insurance status, and race. Certain pregnancies were excluded from the analysis, including those that ended before 37 weeks of gestation, multiple pregnancies, and cases involving major congenital malformations in the child.
How Development Was Assessed
The team employed a comprehensive approach to assess the children’s development. They utilized the Ages and Stages Questionnaire Version 3 (ASQ-3), a screening tool that measures progress in five crucial areas: communication, gross motor skills, fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and personal-social interaction. Researchers reviewed results from the Child Behavior Checklist, the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, and the Early Childhood Behavior Questionnaire to gain a more detailed understanding of behavioral and developmental patterns.
It’s important to note that these assessments are screening tools, not definitive diagnostic tests for autism. They are designed to identify children who may benefit from further evaluation.
Key Findings and Expert Commentary
The study revealed no significant differences in developmental outcomes between the children born to vaccinated mothers and those born to unvaccinated mothers. “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, Professor and Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA, and the study’s senior researcher.
Dr. Brenna L. Hughes, MD, MSc, of Duke University, emphasized the rigor of the research. “This study, conducted through a rigorous scientific process in an NIH clinical trials network, demonstrates reassuring findings regarding the long-term health of children whose mothers received COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy.”
Implications for Public Health
These findings add to a growing body of evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy. The research provides valuable data for healthcare providers and expectant parents, helping to address concerns and inform decision-making.
The study’s results are particularly significant given the potential risks associated with COVID-19 infection during pregnancy, which include increased risk of preterm birth, stillbirth, and maternal complications. Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect both mother and baby from these risks.
Study Funding and Transparency
The study was funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. The authors have stated that the conclusions presented are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official views of the National Institutes of Health.
The full study findings will be published in the issue of PREGNANCY, the official peer-reviewed medical journal of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, under the title “Association between SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in pregnancy and child neurodevelopment at 18-30 months.”
This research offers important reassurance to pregnant individuals and those planning to become pregnant, reinforcing the safety profile of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and supporting continued vaccination efforts.
