Covid-19 in Pregnancy in Scotland

The Covid-19 in Pregnancy in Scotland (COPS) study reveals that women with Covid-19 towards the end of their pregnancy are at higher risk for birth-related complications, while vaccination poses no increased risk.

The COPS study, supported by Sands, looks at how Covid-19 infections and vaccinations affect pregnant women in Scotland. The study found that all women who get Covid-19 close to their due date are more likely to have problems during birth than those who might get it earlier on in pregnancy. It also showed that for women who caught Covid-19 during later pregnancy, those who are not vaccinated are more likely to have a preterm birth or lose their baby than women who are vaccinated.

The COPS study provides clear evidence that there are no additional risks to mothers and babies from being vaccinated against Covid-19, and that vaccination is the best way to protect babies from the effects of Covid-19. You can find out more information about Covid-19 on the Safer Pregnancy website.

You can find out more information on the study website, including a video presentation where the researchers discuss the project in more detail.

More information

Why do we need this research?

There is a need for reliable information on the effects of Covid-19 infection and vaccination on pregnancy outcomes to guide clinical practice and inform pregnant women about potential risks. Understanding these risks can help develop clear messages and guidance for pregnant women around Covid-19 and vaccination.

What were the aims of this study?

The study aimed to investigate the links between Covid-19 infection and vaccination in pregnancy and the potential risks posed to mother and baby. It also sought to provide insights into the safety of Covid-19 vaccines for pregnant women and their babies.

What did the researchers do?

Researchers conducted a national study to analyse the outcomes of Covid-19 infection and vaccination in pregnant women in Scotland. They examined a range of baby and maternal outcomes, such as stillbirth, neonatal death, preterm birth, and maternal admission to critical care.

What did the study find?

The COPS study discovered that unvaccinated women who catch Covid-19 close to their delivery date have a higher chance of facing problems during birth compared to those who have had a Covid-19 vaccination. This means that unvaccinated women who catch Covid-19 later in pregnancy have a greater risk of preterm birth, stillbirth and neonatal death. The study also found that unvaccinated women had more Covid-19 related health issues. Importantly, the study showed that getting a Covid-19 vaccine during pregnancy did not increase the risk of problems during birth.

What impact did the study have?

The study showed that Covid-19 vaccination is safe for pregnant women and their babies. This information has helped doctors, health officials, and pregnant women make better choices about getting vaccinated during pregnancy and reducing the risks associated with Covid-19 infection.

Additional information:

Lead researcher – Sarah Stock

Institution – University of Edinburgh

Funder – Public Health Scotland, Tommy’s

Duration – 2020 - 2023

Publications:

Calvert, C. et al. (2022) ‘A population-based matched cohort study of early pregnancy outcomes following COVID-19 vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 infection’, Nature Communications, 13(1), p. 6124. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-33937-y.

Calvert, C. et al. (2023) ‘A population-based matched cohort study of major congenital anomalies following COVID-19 vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 infection’, Nature Communications, 14(1), p. 107. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-35771-8.

Goulding, A. et al. (2023) ‘Confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in Scottish neonates 2020–2022: a national, population-based cohort study’, Archives of Disease in Childhood - Fetal and Neonatal Edition [Preprint]. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1136/archdischild-2022-324713.

Lindsay, L. et al. (2023) ‘Baby and Maternal Outcomes Following SARS-CoV-2 Infection and COVID-19 Vaccination During Pregnancy: A National Population-Based Matched Cohort Study’. Rochester, NY. Available at: https://papers.ssrn.com/abstract=4322399 (Accessed: 9 February 2023).

Stock, Sarah J et al. (2022) ‘Pregnancy outcomes after SARS-CoV-2 infection in periods dominated by delta and omicron variants in Scotland: a population-based cohort study’, The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, 10(12), pp. 1129–1136. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/S2213-2600(22)00360-5.

Stock, Sarah J. et al. (2022) ‘SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination rates in pregnant women in Scotland’, Nature Medicine, 28(3), pp. 504–512. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-021-01666-2.

Find out more about what we do and our plans for the future in our research strategy.

Our Research Strategy