Obstetrician groups recommend COVID vaccine during pregnancy Two groups on Friday said vaccinations in thousands of pregnant women over the past several months have shown the shots are safe and effective during pregnancy. Author: Associated Press Updated: 7:05 PM EDT July 30, 2021 Two leading obstetricians’ groups on Friday recommended COVID-19 shots for all pregnant women, citing concerns over rising cases and low vaccination rates. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine said vaccinations in tens of thousands of pregnant women over the past several months have shown the shots are safe and effective during pregnancy. COVID-19 during pregnancy increases risks for severe complications and can also increase chances for preterm birth. U.S. government data show only about 16% of pregnant women have received one or more doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.