Comparing the maternal and neonatal outcomes in vaccinated and unvaccinated pregnant women against COVID-19: a retrospective cohort study

Following the emergence of COVID-19 disease, and considering the limited number of studies regarding vaccination among pregnant women, as well as the differences between the vaccine administered in Iran and those used in other countries, this study aimed to compare maternal and neonatal outcomes in vaccinated and unvaccinated women against COVID-19 disease. This retrospective cohort study was conducted at the comprehensive healthcare centers of Rafsanjan city. Initially, the contact information of expectant mothers who were pregnant between June 22, 2021, and December 22, 2021, was obtained through Iran’s integrated healthcare system (Sib). Subsequently, the required information was collected via a checklist during phone interviews. Out of 969 pregnant women, after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 610 subjects were included in the study. Among these, 330 were unvaccinated, while the remaining participants had received the inactivated COVID-19 vaccine prior to or during pregnancy. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared between vaccinated and unvaccinated women. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, employing one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tukey’s multiple comparison test, Fisher’s exact test, Chi-square test, and multiple logistic regression. The findings indicated that vaccination against COVID-19 in pregnant women significantly increased the risk of neonatal jaundice (P < 0.05). Conversely, the miscarriage rate among these women was significantly lower (P < 0.05). No adverse outcomes were observed including hypertensive disorders, gestational diabetes, maternal hospitalization, maternal COVID-19 infection, preterm labor, premature rupture of membranes, perinatal mortality, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, and low birth weight. COVID-19 Vaccination is recommended for pregnant women to mitigate adverse neonatal and maternal outcomes.