A comprehensive study conducted across 18 countries has highlighted the heightened risks faced by pregnant women infected with COVID-19. The “INTERCOVID Multinational Cohort Study,” published recently in JAMA Pediatrics, monitored over 2,000 expectant mothers between April and August 2020. It revealed alarming data: those diagnosed with COVID-19 faced a greater likelihood of serious complications such as preeclampsia, severe infections, ICU admissions, and even mortality. Notably, the risk of death for pregnant women with COVID-19 was determined to be 1.6 percent, which is 22 times higher than that of their non-infected counterparts.
The study, spearheaded by experts from UW Medicine and the University of Oxford, found that infants born to mothers with COVID-19 were also at risk of neonatal complications, particularly due to preterm birth. Approximately 11 percent of these newborns tested positive for the virus. Babies born to infected mothers had a slightly elevated risk of low birth weight and preterm birth.
Dr. Sarah Jenkins, a lead author of the study, emphasized the critical takeaway: while pregnant women don’t have an increased likelihood of contracting COVID-19, those who do are at a substantially higher risk for severe illness and adverse outcomes, including the need for ICU care, ventilation, or preterm birth.
Dr. Emily Carter, a pediatrician, remarked that this research is one of the largest studies conducted to date, capturing data from various countries as the pandemic unfolded. Among the 2,130 participants, 706 were confirmed to have COVID-19, with nearly 60 percent being asymptomatic; however, they still faced elevated risks for complications.
The study concluded that COVID-19 infection during pregnancy is associated with significant morbidity and mortality for both mothers and their infants worldwide, particularly for those who are symptomatic or have pre-existing health conditions. Furthermore, researchers stressed the urgent need for ongoing follow-up with these women and their infants due to potential long-term health effects related to long COVID-19.
For more insights, check out this post about home insemination, and consider visiting Make A Mom for authoritative information on the topic. Additionally, pregnant individuals can find valuable guidance at March of Dimes.
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Summary:
Recent research indicates that pregnant women infected with COVID-19 face significantly higher risks for severe complications, including adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. The study emphasizes the need for vigilant monitoring of these individuals and their infants due to the potential long-term health effects related to the virus.