COVID-19 infection, vaccines and medicines in Pregnancy

The Centre for Pandemics and One-health Research (P1H) aims to conduct a series of interviews, “P1H Coffee Break”, with researchers to raise understanding and awareness regarding the field of pandemics and One-health. 

What motivated you to research this topic?

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, our immediate thought was: how can we contribute?
We began by conducting surveys among pregnant women across Europe, focusing on mental health and medication needs. We wanted to document what it was like to be pregnant and give birth during such an uncertain time. Looking back, it’s striking to remember that in the early months of the pandemic, partners in Norway weren’t allowed to attend maternity check-ups or be present during childbirth until the very final stages of labor.
For us, this work started with a strong desire to help. And for me personally, research has always been the most natural way to contribute.

What is the aim of the research?

Our COVID-19 research covers a wide range of topics — from surveys among pregnant and breastfeeding women to analyzing large amounts of health data covering the entire Norwegian population. At the core of all our work is one common thread: a focus on medications. We have conducted various types of “real-world” studies that explore how medications and vaccines are used, how effective they are, and how safe they are in different populations.

Real-world studies are based on patient data from our healthcare system. They help us understand long-term outcomes, rare side effects, and how treatments work for people often excluded from clinical trials — such as pregnant women and children, and those with multiple diseases. This makes healthcare decisions more relevant and inclusive for the people they’re meant to serve.

Why is this topic important both for society and for you?

Having real-world evidence on the safety and effectiveness of vaccines and medications is important as it forms the foundation for good public health decisions — not just in Norway, but globally. Equally important is understanding the broader impact of the pandemic itself: for example, how it affects people with chronic health conditions, and their access to necessary treatment. Medications play a vital role in protecting public health. That’s why it’s essential not only to study how we treat COVID-19 infections, but also how the pandemic impacts the population’s health.
For me personally, this work feels meaningful because it’s a way to contribute during a time when so many were affected and uncertain.

Why did you choose to focus on pregnant women?

I have been focusing on vulnerable populations throughout my entire academic career — especially pregnant women and children.
In Norway, we’re fortunate to have high-quality health registries that let us follow the population’s health over time. For example, we can link the Medical Birth Registry — which includes all births in Norway — with other national registries like the Prescription Registry and the Patient Registry. This allows us to study how medications used during pregnancy affect both the mother and the child. It’s a unique opportunity to understand health outcomes on a national scale, and to support safer, more informed use of medications during pregnancy.

How are pandemics or One-health related to your field of research?

Pandemics and the One Health approach are related to my field because medications are key tools for ensuring good health — both now and in the future. Take antibiotics, for example. It’s crucial that they are used appropriately to prevent the development of resistance, which is a major One Health issue affecting both human and animal health.
My research contributes to this by focusing on how medications are optimally used and how we can ensure they remain effective over time.

How would you describe your research in three words?

Observational. Real-world. Medication-focused.
My research is observational, based on healthcare data from the real-world, with a clear focus on the use, effectiveness, and safety of medications in the population.

Thank you to Hedvig for participating in this interview. Check out our Instagram at @pandemicscentre.uio to see snippets of the interview.