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A large, in-depth study published Jan. 16 in BMJ Global Health sheds light on the risks of pregnancy from COVID-19 infection.
The study of more than 13,000 pregnancies in 12 countries found that other people infected with COVID-19 were seven times more likely to die in childbirth and three times more likely to be admitted to an intensive care unit during pregnancy, compared to COVID-free pregnant women. About 2,000 patients had a proven or probable case of COVID-19.
[Related: COVID deaths among pregnant women in the U. S. U. S. citizens go unnoticed. ]
“This study provides the most comprehensive evidence to date suggesting that COVID-19 is a risky pregnancy,” said Emily R. Smith, an assistant professor of global fitness at George Washington University’s Milken Institute School of Public Health and lead author of the study. . said in a statement. Our findings underscore the importance of COVID-19 vaccination for all women of childbearing age. “
The researchers also found that for uninfected pregnant women, those with the virus were 15 times more likely to want a ventilator and five times more likely to spread blood clots that can cause swelling, pain or other life-threatening complications.
Babies born to others infected with COVID-19 were nearly twice as likely to be admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) after birth and had an increased risk of being born early. According to Smith, premature toddlers are also the main threat of lifelong fitness problems, adding delays in cognitive development from the early formative years.
“This study shows the threat of contracting COVID-19 to both mother and baby,” Smith said. “All countries, including the United States, make access to COVID vaccines a pressing priority to save lives and health problems. “
The study did not read about the benefits of vaccination during pregnancy, however, other studies have shown a decreased risk of stillbirth, preterm birth, and severe illness or death.
[Related: CDC urges pregnant women to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Here’s how we know it’s safe. ]
Justin Lappen, director of the Cleveland Clinic’s department of maternal-fetal medicine, praised the study in an article for CNN, saying previous findings and studies highlight the importance of preventing and treating the virus in pregnant women. the BMJ examine.
There are some caveats about this study, namely that the data used in these studies were conducted early in the pandemic, when many other people were not yet vaccinated or infected. The people in the study were likely at higher risk not only because of pregnancy, however, because pre-existing immunity to fight the virus was nonexistent.
According to the CDC, more than 72% of pregnant women in the U. S. The U. S. has won its first COVID-19 vaccine circular, and it’s estimated that about 95% of Americans have had the virus at least once or been vaccinated against it.
Tactics to avoid COVID-19 infection, whether you’re pregnant or not, are to get vaccinated, wear a high-quality face mask indoors or in crowds, and practice smart hygiene.
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