Arushi Bidhuri
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Written By: Arushi Bidhuri | Updated : August 11, 2021 6:46 PM IST
Women Who Contract Covid-19 During Pregnancy At Higher Risk Of Preterm Birth
When a woman is pregnant, her body goes through a number of changes, especially those caused by hormonal changes and changes in immune system function. These changes are meant to keep the mother's body from rejecting the baby, but they also make her more vulnerable to viral infections. However, some people, like pregnant women, are especially susceptible to Covid infections. There could be severe complications with some reports have linked pregnant women with preterm birth. According to the US study published in The Lancet Regional Health Americas Journal, preterm birth is more likely in women who are infected with the virus that causes Covid-19 while pregnant.
Researchers from the University of California (UC) San Francisco discovered that women who were infected with Covid-19 at some point during their pregnancy had a 60% greater chance of having a very preterm baby (one born before 32 weeks of pregnancy). They found that those infected with SARS-CoV-2 had a 40% greater risk of preterm delivery or giving birth at fewer than 37 weeks. As per the study results, comorbidities and Covid-19 infection enhanced the chance of premature delivery.
For women who were suffering from an underlying disease such as high blood pressure, diabetes or obesity along with being infected with Covid-19, the risk of preterm birth increased to 160 per cent. They also found that a 100% increased risk of preterm birth as compared to individuals who do not have comorbidities or the disease As per researchers, preterm birth is linked to a variety of negative consequences for both mothers and newborns, with extremely preterm births having the highest risk of neonatal problems.
The researchers believe that with the increase in infections and the Delta variant, we must consider pregnant women, particularly Black and Brown communities, as groups that need to be prioritised, with supporting policies to limit exposure and stress, as well as increased access to care. According to the study, the rate of preterm delivery among those who had a Covid-19 diagnosis was 11.8 per cent, compared to 8.7 per cent for those who did not have the condition.
At the time of birth, 40% of those in the study had public insurance, and 15.9% had hypertension, diabetes, obesity, or a combination of these conditions.
The researchers emphasized that it is necessary to take prophylactic steps to decrease Covid-19 infection in pregnant women in order to avoid preterm delivery, such as vaccination. Here are some precautions that you need to keep in mind before and after you get a jab:
(with inputs from agencies)
