Study finds contracting COVID-19 during pregnancy increases risk of maternal death

pregnant women According to a study highlighting the importance of vaccination against the virus, women infected with SARS-CoV-2 are seven times more likely to die than those who have not contracted the virus and are more likely to be admitted to intensive care. COVID-19 for all women of childbearing age.

These are the two findings of a meta-analysis of data from 12 studies from 12 countries, including Spain and the United States, that included 13,136 women. The results, which also show an increased risk for infants, are published in Global Health BMJ.

“This study provides the most comprehensive evidence to date that COVID-19 poses a threat during pregnancy,” he concludes. Emily R SmithMilken Institute at George Washington University and lead author of the study.

“Our results,” he adds, “highlight the importance of covid-19 vaccination for all women of childbearing age.”

without vaccination

Despite increasing knowledge about the risks of this disease during pregnancymany women of childbearing age remain unvaccinated.

In some cases, they hesitate or refuse a vaccine or revaccination because they do not believe that COVID-19 is dangerous, or are not convinced that it is safe during pregnancy, recalls a note from an American university.

According to Smith, some doctors are even hesitant to give a vaccine to a pregnant woman, even if it is recommended.

The researchers carefully examined data from pregnant women from Ghana, China and Hong Kong, Italy, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Turkey, Uganda and the United States.

They found that compared to pregnant women uninfected pregnant women with COVID-19 infection are seven times more likely to die during pregnancy or childbirth and nearly four times more likely to be admitted to an intensive care unit.

They are also 15 times more likely to need ventilator treatment and 23 times more likely to develop pneumonia.

For thromboembolic disease, or blood clots that can cause pain, swelling, or other life-threatening complications, the risk is more than five times higher.

danger to babies

Children born to women who are infected COVID-19 they were almost twice as likely to be admitted to neonatal care; almost three times more likely to be born moderately premature (before 34 weeks); and 19% more likely to have a low birth weight.

But, in contrast to the results of previous reviews, COVID-19 infection was not associated with an increased risk of stillbirth at 28 weeks’ gestation or beyond, or with growth restriction.

Despite the very serious health risks, more than 80 countries still advise against all pregnant and lactating women getting the coronavirus vaccine, Smith said: “All countries, including the United States, should make access to coronavirus vaccines an urgent priority. to save lives and prevent health problems.”

The study was funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. (EFE)