A recent study by Kaiser Permanente has revealed a shocking discovery about the risks of contracting COVID-19 while pregnant.
The study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine on March 21, found that pregnant patients who tested positive for COVID-19 were more than two times likely to have a preterm birth, develop a blood clot or experience severe maternal morbidity — a condition which can include acute respiratory distress syndrome and sepsis.
The study followed 43,886 pregnant individuals throughout the first year of the pandemic. Of the 1,332 who had a coronavirus infection, their risk for a negative outcome more than doubled compared to the individuals without the virus, Kaiser revealed in a press release.
Related
"These findings add to the growing evidence that having COVID-19 during pregnancy raises risks of serious complications," the study's lead scientist Assiamira Ferrara, senior research scientist and associate director of the Kaiser Permanente women and children health section, explained.
Coupled with the evidence that COVID-19 vaccines are safe during pregnancy, these findings should help patients understand the risks of coronavirus and the need for vaccination, Ferrara said, adding that the study supports getting vaccinated if you are pregnant or planning to start a family.
Related
According to Kaiser, the study included a wide group of racially and ethnically diverse patients. Of the 43,886 pregnant individuals, 33.8% were white, 28.4% were Hispanic or Latino, 25.9% were Asian or Pacific Islander, 6.5% were Black, 0.3% were American Indian or Alaska Native and 5% were multiracial or unknown race and ethnicity.
Those with coronavirus were three times more likely to have thromboembolism, or blood clot, and two and a half times more likely to have a severe maternal morbidity.
"The most important thing people can do to protect themselves and their baby is to get vaccinated," co-author Mara Greenberg, maternal-fetal medicine specialist with The Permanente Medical Group concluded.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign up and follow Audacy
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram