Research Finds No Autism Link to COVID-19 Vaccine in Pregnancy

Study shows no difference in neurodevelopmental outcomes for children born to vaccinated and unvaccinated mothers

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A new study presented at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) 2026 Pregnancy Meeting found no association between the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine and autism or other neurodevelopmental problems in children whose mothers received the vaccine during or shortly before pregnancy. The study followed 434 children between 18-30 months old, with half born to vaccinated mothers and half to unvaccinated mothers, and found no differences in developmental assessments between the two groups.

Why it matters

This study provides reassuring evidence that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe for pregnant women and their babies, addressing concerns some may have had about potential long-term impacts on child development. As vaccination rates among pregnant individuals continue to increase, this research helps allay fears and supports public health recommendations for vaccination during pregnancy.

The details

Researchers from the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network studied 434 children between 18-30 months old, with half born to mothers who had received at least one dose of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine during or within 30 days prior to pregnancy, and the other half born to unvaccinated mothers. The children were assessed for signs of autism and other neurodevelopmental problems using standardized developmental screening tools, and no differences were found between the two groups.

  • The study was conducted between May 2024 and March 2025.
  • The research findings were presented at the SMFM 2026 Pregnancy Meeting.

The players

George R. Saade, MD

Professor and Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Associate Dean for Women's Health, at Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA.

Brenna L. Hughes, MD, MSc

Edwin Crowell Hamblen Distinguished Professor of Reproductive Biology and Family Planning and Interim Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Duke University in Raleigh, NC.

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What they’re saying

“Neurodevelopment outcomes in children born to mothers who received the COVID-19 vaccine during or shortly before pregnancy did not differ from those born to mothers who did not receive the vaccine.”

— George R. Saade, MD, Professor and Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Associate Dean for Women's Health (Mirage News)

“This study, conducted through a rigorous scientific process in an NIH clinical trials network, demonstrates reassuring findings regarding the long-term health of children whose mothers received COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy.”

— Brenna L. Hughes, MD, MSc, Edwin Crowell Hamblen Distinguished Professor of Reproductive Biology and Family Planning and Interim Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Mirage News)

What’s next

The research findings will be published in the February 2026 issue of PREGNANCY, the official peer-reviewed medical journal of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine.

The takeaway

This rigorous study provides strong evidence that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe for pregnant women and their babies, helping to address concerns about potential long-term impacts on child development and supporting public health recommendations for vaccination during pregnancy.