Covid-19 vaccination in pregnancy and placental pathology

Abstract

To describe and determine the association between Covid-19 vaccination in pregnancy and placental pathology. Conducted in a tertiary hospital in Medan, Indonesia, from April 30th 2022 to June 30th 2022, this single-center cross-sectional study involved Covid-19 vaccinated and unvaccinated women with singleton full-term pregnancies delivering live fetuses via cesarean section. Maternal characteristics, placental pathologies, and the placental index were documented at enrollment. The association between Covid-19 vaccination status and placental pathology was assessed. The study enrolled 200 pregnant women, including 110 vaccinated women and 90 unvaccinated women. No significant differences were observed in birthweight (P=0.48), placental index (P=0.48), and placental pathology findings [intervillous bleeding (P=0.20), increased syncytial knots (P=0.83), chorangiosis (P=0.13), villous stromal edema (P=0.13), vascular dilation and congestion (P=0.13), and vascular wall thrombus (P=0.71)] between the vaccinated and unvaccinated groups. This study revealed no statistically significant association between Covid-19 vaccination and placental pathology. The findings support the safety of Covid-19 vaccination during pregnancy, in regards to changes of the placental pathology.