Recent findings from a study conducted in Washington state reveal that pregnant individuals are at a significantly increased risk of contracting COVID-19, with infection rates 70% higher than that of their non-pregnant peers. Published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the research highlights that pregnant individuals from nonwhite backgrounds experience an even greater disparity in infection rates.
Dr. Lisa Grant from the University of Washington, who was involved in the research, stated, “Our findings show that pregnant individuals were not insulated from the pandemic as we had hoped. The elevated rates of infection, combined with the risks of severe illness and maternal mortality associated with COVID-19, indicate that pregnancy should be classified as a high-risk condition for vaccine prioritization nationwide.”
The study analyzed data from 240 pregnant individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 between March and June 2020, encompassing 35 hospitals and health clinics, representing 61% of the state’s annual births. It was found that 13.9 out of every 1,000 newborns had mothers who contracted COVID-19, compared to 7.3 per 1,000 in the general population of 20 to 39-year-olds. After eliminating 45 cases identified through asymptomatic screening, the infection rate for pregnant women adjusted to 11.3 per 1,000.
The authors pointed out that pregnant individuals did not enjoy the protection from COVID-19 during the early months of the outbreak, with the highest number of infections reported among various racial and ethnic minority groups. “This data, along with the recognition of pregnancy as a risk factor for severe illness and maternal mortality, strongly suggests that pregnant individuals should be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccinations in the U.S., similar to many states.”
Dr. Grant also encouraged pregnant individuals to have discussions with their healthcare providers regarding the advantages and risks associated with COVID-19 vaccination. “We aim to utilize insights from this study to better prepare for future pandemics. It’s vital that pregnant individuals have a voice in vaccine trials and distribution,” she added.
Notably, the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other reputable medical organizations recommend that pregnant individuals who can access COVID-19 vaccines should get vaccinated.
The researchers suggest that the heightened infection rates among pregnant individuals may stem from increased exposure due to children in daycare, caregiving roles, and living in larger households. “The higher rates of infection in this demographic may also relate to their prevalent roles in essential services during the pandemic, including healthcare and education,” noted study author Sarah Thompson, PhD.
To improve public health responses, the researchers advocate for targeted messaging that considers the geographical, racial, and ethnic distribution of COVID-19 infections among pregnant individuals. Such an approach would enable better allocation of resources towards those at the highest risk for adverse maternal-fetal outcomes.
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For further reading, you can explore this related blog post.
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In summary, a recent study reveals that pregnant individuals are 70% more likely to contract COVID-19, with nonwhite pregnant individuals facing a disproportionate burden. The findings suggest that pregnancy should be classified as a high-risk health condition for vaccine allocation, emphasizing the need for targeted public health responses.