A peer-reviewed study analyzing more than 16,000 pregnancies found a statistically significant increase in reported hypertensive disorders among women who received a COVID-19 vaccine during or just before pregnancy, while authors emphasized the findings do not establish causation.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Women who received a COVID-19 vaccine either during pregnancy or shortly before conception reported higher rates of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HPD) compared to unvaccinated women, according to a new registry-based study conducted by researchers affiliated with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and published in Vaccine.
The peer-reviewed CDC registry study examined more than 16,000 first-time pregnancies and found that vaccinated participants had a 24% higher reported risk of hypertensive disorders, including gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. The findings were also reported by The Defender.
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Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, which include gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, are recognized as major contributors to maternal and fetal illness and mortality in the United States, as detailed in the BMJ overview of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
Researchers compared outcomes from vaccinated women enrolled in the CDC’s COVID-19 Vaccine Pregnancy Registry with unvaccinated women drawn from the CDC’s Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System. Participants self-reported symptoms and diagnoses to the respective surveillance systems.
To reduce bias, investigators matched vaccinated and unvaccinated participants one-to-one based on age, race, ethnicity and gestational age at delivery. All were first-time mothers carrying single pregnancies, and women with known chronic hypertension were excluded.
Among vaccinated participants, 15% reported hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, compared with 12% of unvaccinated women. After adjusting for body mass index, diabetes status, state of residence and year of delivery, vaccinated women remained significantly more likely to report HPD. The study found elevated risk regardless of which COVID-19 vaccine was administered or when it was received during pregnancy.
The researchers also reported that women who experienced COVID-19 illness during pregnancy had a 28% higher risk of hypertensive disorders compared with those who did not contract the virus. In discussing this comparison, the study noted that the magnitude of risk associated with vaccination appeared similar to that associated with infection.
The authors cautioned that their findings do not establish a causal relationship. They emphasized that ongoing safety monitoring and updated risk-benefit analyses are warranted.
“Pregnant women were told these genetic products were safe,” epidemiologist Nicolas Hulscher said in response to the findings. “And now, the CDC itself has identified a statistically significant elevation in one of the most serious obstetric complications. Global accountability for the harm inflicted on mothers and their unborn children is warranted.”
Former CDC Director Rochelle Walensky began publicly urging pregnant women to receive the vaccine in April 2021, stating that the shots were safe. At the time, archived CDC guidance acknowledged limited data on the safety of the shots during pregnancy.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists continues to recommend COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy. On ACOG’s website, Dr. Mark Turrentine states that the shots are “completely safe” for use during pregnancy.
In exploring possible biological mechanisms, the study authors discussed the role of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and its interaction with ACE2 receptors on placental cells. ACE2 receptors are involved in blood pressure regulation. Because mRNA vaccines instruct cells to produce the spike protein, temporary increases in blood pressure have been observed in non-pregnant populations.
The authors also referenced immune activation and inflammation as possible contributing factors. Inflammatory responses may interfere with placental blood flow early in pregnancy, potentially contributing to hypertensive disorders. Prior scientific literature has examined associations between hypertension and ACE2 receptor pathways, as well as links between vaccine-induced inflammation and blood pressure changes.
Children’s Health Defense Senior Research Scientist Karl Jablonowski told The Defender that the biological pathways discussed in the study have been explored in earlier research.
The study acknowledged limitations, including reliance on self-reported diagnoses and differences between the vaccinated and unvaccinated cohorts. Nearly half of vaccinated participants were healthcare workers, a group that experienced heightened stress during the pandemic and may have had different health monitoring practices. Although validation analyses suggested a strong match between self-reported hypertension and medical records, the authors stated that differences in surveillance systems and time periods prevent causal conclusions.
The authors called for renewed evaluation of pregnancy-related risks associated with both COVID-19 illness and vaccination.
The CDC’s current position on COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy remains in transition. The agency reportedly stopped routinely recommending the vaccine last year but has not issued updated formal guidance. The CDC webpage on vaccination during pregnancy currently lists “no guidance/not applicable” for COVID-19 vaccines.
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