Women who received the HPV vaccine before their first pregnancy were less likely to give birth very early, according to a large Swedish study published Oct. 7 in The BMJ. Vaccinated mothers had 15% lower odds of very preterm birth, defined as delivery from 28 weeks to just under 32 weeks, a stage when newborns often need weeks of intensive care.
The study does not prove the vaccine prevented those early births. But it adds a new layer to a familiar family decision, since the HPV shot is usually given years before pregnancy is on anyone's mind. Senior author Jiayao Lei said the results suggest "the benefits of HPV vaccination may extend beyond cancer prevention."
