Early findings published in the New England Journal of Medicine show the possible side effects of covid-19 vaccines in pregnant women were similar to those for all women.

The first published results were released last week.

Of the 35,691 participants ages 16 to 54 — at all stages of pregnancy — injection-site pain was reported more frequently among pregnant women than those were not. But the study found that some symptoms — headache, myalgia (muscle pain), chills, and fever — were reported less frequently among those who were pregnant.

“It is significant because it’s the first published report and shows pregnant women following the general population,” Dr. Richard Beigi, president UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, said on Friday.

Because pregnant women who get the coronavirus are at risk for severe illness, Beigi said, the study is “very reassuring,” allowing doctors to recommend the vaccine with confidence based on evidence. In addition, the number of participants is a “pretty good sample size.”

The data was collected from Dec. 14 through Feb. 28 through a smartphone tool administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention called v-safe. People register here and enter information about the type of vaccine they received and when it was administered. They are sent daily questions about how they are feeling.

There are also text messages to online surveys to determine side effects for a 12-month period after the second dose. Depending on a person’s answers, the CDC may contact them to get additional information.

Courtesy of the New England Journal of Medicine Charts comparing vaccine shot side effects of pregnant and non-pregnant women  

Pregnant women did not report having severe reactions more frequently than non-pregnant women, except for nausea and vomiting, which were reported slightly more frequently only after the second dose.

A chart accompanying the report showed that in the first shot of both Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, the biggest side effect was pain in the arm for both pregnant and non-pregnant women. After the second shot, for example, over 60% of both groups reported fatigue with Pfizer and over 70% with Moderna.

The report said it is known that pregnant women with covid-19 are at increased risk for severe illness that could result in admission to an intensive care unit, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, or mechanical ventilation and death, as compared with non-pregnant persons of reproductive age.

There is limited information on how pregnant women would respond to the vaccines because they weren’t included in most trials.

The Tribune-Review in January reported on Beigi’s quest for pregnant women to be included in vaccine trials.

The CDC in collaboration with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics have issued guidance indicating that covid-19 vaccines should not be withheld from pregnant women.

In addition to the similarities to vaccine responses, Beigi added there were no negative affects to the babies and that moms’ antibodies can help protect their babies.

UPMC Magee has hosted multiple vaccine clinics for pregnant and post-partum women. More clinics are scheduled. If a pregnant woman would like a vaccine, she can call 833-653-0519 to schedule an appointment. Anyone 18 or older who lives in the same household with the pregnant woman can also sign up.

Beigi said there could be confusion between vaccine side effects and early pregnancy sickness, because some symptoms could be similar.

“If a pregnant woman has concerns, she should definitely talk with her doctor,” Beigi said. “Getting the vaccines to pregnant women is a top priority. We want to protect them and their babies.”

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