If you are currently pregnant or planning a pregnancy, the COVID-19 pandemic may be adding a layer of concern. You may have questions or understandable worries about the implications of a possible COVID-19 infection for you and your baby, the safety of COVID-19 vaccines, and the type of care that you will receive over the course of the pregnancy.  

Making sense of information from various sources can be difficult. We have curated up-to-date Canadian-based resources to support you through your pregnancy journey, and help you make decisions that will keep you and your baby healthy. We are updating the site as new and relevant information becomes available, so be sure to check back frequently. 

What is New?

• The Provincial Council for Maternal and Child Health (PCMCH) strongly recommends masking in indoor public spaces and staying up-to-date with COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, as eligible. Read their recent statement reaffirming the importance of layering protections as Ontario currently faces the triple threat of COVID-19, influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) (November 15, 2022).

• Check out this interview with Dr. Deborah Money, a professor in UBC’s department of obstetrics and gynaecology:  "Bivalent vaccines are here – what it means for people who are pregnant" (November 7, 2022)

• Updated guidance on COVID-19 vaccines for individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding has been published by National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) (September 9, 2022).

Real world evidence continues to show that vaccines are safe during pregnancy. There have been a number of large studies that looked at the safety and effectiveness of vaccines given to pregnant and breastfeeding individuals in Ontario.  In one study, there was no increased risk of complications during late pregnancy or the early newborn period for those who got the COVID-19 vaccine compared with those who were not vaccinated. In another study, there was no link found between COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy and higher risk of preterm birth or stillbirth.  

All the major obstetrical organizations in Canada, the US, the UK and many other countries have recommended the vaccine for pregnant and breastfeeding individuals to protect them from COVID-19. Nevertheless, deciding whether to have COVID-19 vaccination while you are pregnant can be challenging. The Provincial Council for Maternal and Child Health (PCMCH) has published a resource to help you make an informed choice. And below, care providers in Ontario are sharing a message with pregnant individuals in English, French and other languages: 

BORN Ontario

Ontario birth data was recently used to explore outcomes for pregnant individuals (and newborns) following COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy.  The study included found no increased risk for poor outcomes (for pregnant individuals or their babies) for those who received COVID-19 vaccination compared with those who were not vaccinated during pregnancy. 

Another recently published study included over 85,162 pregnant individuals in Ontario and found there was no evidence of increased risk of preterm birth (before 37 weeks), very preterm birth (before 32 weeks), small-for-gestational-age at birth (less than the 10th percentile), or stillbirth following COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy. 

Report #2 (includes individuals who were pregnant at any point between December 14, 2020 to June 30, 2021): Data from this time period do not suggest an increased risk for concerns during pregnancy, or complications for the baby at birth.  

Report #3 (includes individuals who were pregnant at any point between December 14, 2020 and September 30, 2021): The latest report from Ontario highlights that vaccine coverage differs by age and income of the pregnant person. Individuals that are in younger age groups or in lower income brackets were shown to have lower vaccination rates. 

Hospital for Sick Children

SickKids COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service offers support to people who are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to conceive in partnership with Scarborough Health Network's (SHN) Vax Facts. Visit the Sick Kids website for more information and to schedule a phone appointment with a registered nurse. 

University of Toronto and Ontario College of Family Physicians (OCFP)

Department of Family and Community Medicine (University of Toronto) and OCFP published a resource to help the pregnant individuals make sense of COVID-19 and Omicron guidance: "I'm pregnant. How can I keep safe? What should I do if I get COVID?" (last updated on January 31, 2022). For other information, visit ConfusedAboutCovid.ca. 

British Society for Immunology

British Society for Immunology, in partnership with reproductive immunologist, Dr. Viki Male,  published an infographic and a detailed explainer to show latest evidence on the safety of COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy. The materials are kept up-to-date and include data from pregnancies in Ontario.

Canadian Institute for Health Research - "Ask a Scientist: Will the COVID-19 vaccine affect my fertility?" 

In this video from CIHR IRSC, Dr. Deborah Money, Professor at the University of British Columbia, discusses some of the recent studies (March 16, 2022).

Government of Ontario - COVID-19 Vaccines in Pregnancy 

Information for individuals who are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breast/chestfeeding (updated May 5, 2022)

The University of British Columbia - Canadian COVID-19 Vaccine Registry for Pregnant and Lactating Individuals

Researchers in British Columbia have recently launched a COVID-19 vaccine registry called COVERED. Through a registry and survey, the goal is to understand the attitudes, effectiveness and safety of vaccines for those who are pregnant and lactating. Individuals from anywhere in Canada who are currently pregnant or breastfeeding are invited to register to take part in this vaccine study.

Participants do not have to have already received a COVID-19 vaccine, nor do they need to intend to receive the vaccine. 

Government of Canada - COVID-19: Pregnancy, childbirth and caring for a newborn

Information on what to expect at the time of pregnancy and after childbirth during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

OMama

OMama is a website and app that connects you to trusted, evidence-informed pregnancy, birth, and early parenting information (focusing on resources in Ontario, Canada).