Revisiting Covid-19 and Pregnancy
Season 1, Episode 40, Mar 25, 2022, 07:51 AM
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Pregnant people face higher risks from COVID-19, including severe illness, hospitalization, and even death. It also increases risks of stillbirth, pre-eclampsia, and preterm birth, and has been linked to newborn ICU admissions. COVID-19 can damage the placenta and lead to fetal oxygen deprivation.
Stillbirths from COVID-19 are uncommon but occur. A CDC study found pregnant people with COVID-19 at delivery were almost twice as likely to have a stillbirth, with symptom severity being key. Unvaccinated pregnant people were most severely ill. Oregon data doesn't specifically track COVID-19 related stillbirths.
Pregnancy-related deaths rose sharply during the pandemic due to disruptions like overwhelmed hospitals, lack of telehealth, and childcare barriers.
Black people experience higher rates of maternal mortality, a trend pre-dating COVID-19. Vaccination rates among pregnant Black people are lowest (15%). In Oregon, Black people have higher COVID-19 hospitalization rates and overall case rates than white people. Structural health inequities, including variations in care, chronic conditions, racism, and implicit bias, contribute to these disparities. Cardiovascular conditions and infections are leading causes of pregnancy-related deaths, disproportionately affecting Black people.
Vaccination during pregnancy can protect babies. Mothers pass antibodies to their fetuses, with 57% of infants born to vaccinated people having detectable COVID-19 antibodies at 6 months. Vaccinated mothers' breast milk also contains antibodies. COVID-19 vaccines are safe for pregnant and breastfeeding people and do not cause miscarriage or infertility.
To protect themselves and their fetus, pregnant people should be fully vaccinated and boosted, and discuss concerns with their doctor. Precautions like masking and distancing are also recommended. mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) are preferred over Johnson & Johnson due to potential side effects, unless contraindications or access issues exist.
Stillbirths from COVID-19 are uncommon but occur. A CDC study found pregnant people with COVID-19 at delivery were almost twice as likely to have a stillbirth, with symptom severity being key. Unvaccinated pregnant people were most severely ill. Oregon data doesn't specifically track COVID-19 related stillbirths.
Pregnancy-related deaths rose sharply during the pandemic due to disruptions like overwhelmed hospitals, lack of telehealth, and childcare barriers.
Black people experience higher rates of maternal mortality, a trend pre-dating COVID-19. Vaccination rates among pregnant Black people are lowest (15%). In Oregon, Black people have higher COVID-19 hospitalization rates and overall case rates than white people. Structural health inequities, including variations in care, chronic conditions, racism, and implicit bias, contribute to these disparities. Cardiovascular conditions and infections are leading causes of pregnancy-related deaths, disproportionately affecting Black people.
Vaccination during pregnancy can protect babies. Mothers pass antibodies to their fetuses, with 57% of infants born to vaccinated people having detectable COVID-19 antibodies at 6 months. Vaccinated mothers' breast milk also contains antibodies. COVID-19 vaccines are safe for pregnant and breastfeeding people and do not cause miscarriage or infertility.
To protect themselves and their fetus, pregnant people should be fully vaccinated and boosted, and discuss concerns with their doctor. Precautions like masking and distancing are also recommended. mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) are preferred over Johnson & Johnson due to potential side effects, unless contraindications or access issues exist.