What You Should Know about COVID-19 and Pregnancy
While there are risks associated with a COVID-19 diagnosis during pregnancy, it's important to remember that you have the power to mitigate these risks. Following specific precautions can significantly reduce your chances of contracting the virus or experiencing severe symptoms.
COVID-19 Risk Groups
COVID-19 affects various populations differently. People who are in underserved populations, immunocompromised, or have pre-existing health conditions are at an increased risk of experiencing moderate to severe COVID-19 symptoms. Some examples are:
- Lung issues
- Heart issues
- Pregnant people
Pregnancy and COVID-19
Pregnancy increases the risk of severe disease caused by respiratory viral infections. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, pregnant people diagnosed with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), a virus closely related to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), were admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and had a higher rate of death than nonpregnant people.
Furthermore, pregnancy is hazardous if a person is infected with COVID-19. Researchers believe the risk is more significant because a person’s immune system is adjusted during pregnancy. The immune system focuses on not producing antifetal immune responses. Because COVID-19 targets the lungs and cardiovascular system, areas already under stress from pregnancy, pregnant people are vulnerable to infection and severe symptoms.
Studies Highlight Risks
In the early part of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Public Health Agency of Sweden published its findings on the effect COVID-19 had on pregnant and postpartum people. The research showed that pregnant infected with SARS-COV-2 or women who had recently given birth were at higher risk of requiring intensive care than nonpregnant women of the same age.
Since the study was published, further research maintains the findings. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has also found that those infected by COVID-19 are more likely to have:
- Preeclampsia
- Eclampsia
- Cesarean birth
Other complications are high blood pressure, heavy postpartum bleeding, a blood clotting disorder, or other infections.
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COVID-19: During and Post Pregnancy
If you are pregnant, you may wonder if COVID-19 can affect your fetus. A few complications may be:
- Preterm birth
- Elevated risk for stillbirth
- Rare potential for COVID-19 to pass to the fetus
If you have COVID-19 while you are pregnant, there is an elevated risk that your baby will need to be admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Protecting Yourself During Pregnancy
Despite the elevated risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms, you can take preventative steps while pregnant. One of the most effective ways to prevent or reduce the symptoms of COVID-19 is to get the COVID-19 vaccine and booster shots.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) published a study that discovered mothers who received an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine while pregnant shielded their infant from symptomatic COVID-19 infection up to six months after birth. Moreover, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also observed that infants born to women with a COVID-19 vaccine or booster during pregnancy were less likely to be hospitalized because of COVID-19 symptoms. A study published in Nature Medicine’s March 2023 edition reported that newborns born to mothers vaccinated with a third booster shot were 50% less likely to be admitted to the hospital than those born to mothers who received the primary vaccine and were qualified to receive a third dose but did not get it.
Conclusion
Pregnancy increases the risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms. However, preventing or reducing the severe effects is possible. The mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are safe and effective in preventing or reducing COVID-19 symptoms. The vaccines and booster shots also help protect newborns from COVID-19 and its dangerous symptoms. If you think you have or were exposed to COVID-19, talk with your OB-GYN.
Christina Sisti, DPS, MPH, MS, is a bioethicist and health care policy advocate. She works to create awareness and improve healthcare policy for those with long-term health issues.