COVID-19 increases pregnant women's risk of death sevenfold, study claims

COVID-19 infection increases the risk of death for pregnant women sevenfold, researchers from George Washington University have found, BMJ Global Health reported.

The researchers pooled data from patients from 12 countries. A total of more than 13,000 pregnant women took part

They found that pregnant women with COVID-19 infection were seven times more likely to die during pregnancy or childbirth compared to uninfected women.

They were also three times more likely to be admitted to the NICU, 23 times more likely to develop pneumonia, five times more likely to develop blood clots, and 15 times more likely to use a ventilator. Their infants were also twice as likely to be admitted to the ICU.

The authors noted that despite the very serious health risks, more than 80 countries still do not recommend that all pregnant and lactating women be vaccinated against COVID.

Women and their doctors, in many cases, refuse to vaccinate or revaccinate because they do not think COVID-19 poses a risk to pregnant women or they are unsure about the safety of the vaccine during pregnancy.
 

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