A new study suggests that people infected with COVID-19 before or during early pregnancy may face a higher risk of miscarriage.
Researchers analyzed over 27,000 pregnancies using health records from 2019 to 2023 and found that those with a history of COVID had two to three times the odds of miscarriage before 20 weeks.
Notable findings showed that people who had mild COVID before getting pregnant were 2.5 times more likely to miscarry. The odds jumped higher for moderate to severe cases, reaching nearly three times the normal risk. And the danger didn't go away after conception: infections during the first trimester also doubled or even tripled the risk, as found in the study published in BMC Medicine on May 9, 2025.
BioMed Central has an evolving portfolio of around 300 peer-reviewed journals that share discoveries across science, technology, engineering, and medicine. Its leading titles include BMC Biology, BMC Medicine, Genome Biology, Genome Medicine, and BMC Global and Public Health. BMC also publishes specialized journals like the Journal of Hematology & Oncology and partners with top institutions to support diverse research communities.
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Why COVID-19 May Increase Miscarriage Risk
COVID-19 can put extra stress on the body, especially during early pregnancy when the baby is developing quickly. At this time, the immune system changes to help support the growing baby.
According to the research, severe COVID-19, characterized by acute respiratory distress syndrome, blood clotting disorders, and other serious symptoms, can cause obstetric emergencies or lead to lasting maternal health problems that increase the risk of complications, preterm birth, or pregnancy loss.
High fevers, common with COVID-19, are also associated with increased risk of pregnancy loss because fever can create an unfavorable environment for the developing fetus during critical early weeks.
COVID-19 may additionally cause blood clotting and respiratory issues that can result in emergencies or long-term health effects for the mother.
COVID-19 Vaccination and Pregnancy
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "studies involving hundreds of thousands of people worldwide show COVID-19 vaccination before and during pregnancy is safe, effective, and beneficial to both the pregnant person and the baby."
The benefits of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine outweigh any potential risks during pregnancy. Data show:
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COVID-19 vaccination reduces the risk of severe illness in pregnant people.
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Vaccinated pregnant individuals have a lower risk of pregnancy complications such as preterm birth.
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There is no evidence linking COVID-19 vaccines to miscarriage or stillbirth.
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Vaccination provides protective antibodies that may pass to the baby, offering early life protection.
With the higher risk of miscarriage linked to COVID-19 during early pregnancy, it's important for expecting moms to take simple preventive steps. Staying up to date on vaccines and keeping regular prenatal checkups can go a long way in protecting both mom and baby.
Click here to learn more about COVID-19 vaccine benefits for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
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