Thread by @weatherindia

Nine Months Since Outbreak, Data Suggests #Coronavirus May Increase Adverse #Pregnancy Outcomes

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(📸: TOI / BCCL / Bengaluru)

It has been just over nine months since the first cases of #COVID19 were reported in #Wuhan in December 2019, and thanks to the relentless work of the global scientific community we are learning numerous new traits of the novel coronavirus every other day.

#coronavirus

Now, the latest data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health organisations suggest that pregnant women with #COVID19 might have an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes such as premature births or stillbirths.

#coronavirusoutbreak

Preterm birth due to #COVID19

Preterm or premature birth is when a baby is born too early, much before the completion of the usual 37-38 weeks of pregnancy. A full course of #pregnancy is crucial for the complete development of different organs in a baby.

Early deliveries, especially before 32 weeks, are proven to have higher rates of death and disability.

A study in the UK published in the reputed journal JAMA in July shows that the pandemic has led to high rates of preterm births and cesarean delivery among women with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

#coronavirusoutbreak #covid19 #coronavirus

Factors affecting pregnant women

During pregnancy, the body’s immunity is suppressed to limit adverse reactions to the fetus. However, this natural response makes women vulnerable to infections.

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The CDC surveillance data also suggests that pregnant women might be at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 compared to others. Therefore, health experts urge the utmost caution for pregnant women throughout pregnancy.

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Other factors like obesity, sugar levels, pre-existing medical conditions and the immune response are also proven to have a link to COVID-19 severity.

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The study in New York also showed that obese women—especially with body mass index (BMI) 30 or higher—have a greater risk of severe #COVID19.

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A study in Maharashtra showed that more than 12 per cent of 1,140 pregnant women tested were positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection, demonstrating a substantial prevalence of the disease among pregnant women in India.

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On a positive note, most of the studies quoted here consisted of the smallest sample size and involved only hospitalised pregnant women.

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Therefore, the results could be different when the entire population is considered. In some countries like Ireland and Denmark, the opposite is true, since preterm deliveries have reportedly declined during the #pandemic.