German study: mRNA COVID vaccines safe in early pregnancy

A German study found no increased risk of major birth defects in early pregnancies following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination, offering reassurance to expectant parents. The study, published in Clinical Microbiology and Infection, analyzed data from nearly 3,800 pregnancies. While some anomalies were slightly higher in vaccinated women, the differences were not statistically significant and showed no consistent patterns. Researchers emphasized the need for continued monitoring, despite the reassuring findings. They also suggested vaccination before conception or after the first trimester, if possible, for women of reproductive age.