Pregnant women who struggle with COVID-19 may be at greater risk of developing he alth complications. This is the conclusion of a study by the US National Institutes of He alth (NIH).
How COVID-19 affects pregnant women was investigated by a research team led by Dr. Torri D. Metz of the University of Urah in S alt Lake City. He observed over 13,194 pregnant patients, 2,352 of whom were infected with SARS-CoV-2. Women gave birth between March 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022, which was before COVID-19 vaccines appeared.
What did the researchers conclude?
The fact that pregnant women with COVID-19 who had moderate or severe infection were more likely to die or to have high blood pressure, postpartum haemorrhage, or other infection, for example. Scientists recorded such events in 26.1 percent. pregnant women struggling with severe or moderate COVID-19 and in 9.2% pregnant women not infected with the coronavirus. Five women died from COVID-19 - their disease was moderate to severe.
No association has been found between mild or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection and a higher risk of pregnancy complications.
According to researchers, the risk of having a caesarean section was higher in the group of women suffering from COVID-19 (45.4%) compared to he althy pregnant patients (32.4%).
The best way to protect. The doctor calls
The latest findings were commented on by Diana Bianchi of Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child He alth and Human Development. In her opinion, "these results highlight the need for women of reproductive age and pregnant women to vaccinate and take other precautions to avoid becoming infected with SARS-CoV-2." "This is the best way to protect pregnant women and their babies," she added.
The results of the study were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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