As new studies observe the way in which COVID-19 can interact with the human body, researchers uncover surprising information. Early reports inferred that coronavirus could increase the risk of premature births, and the theory seems to have been confirmed by recent research.
Pregnant women who become infected with coronavirus and require professional medical care are more likely to deliver their children prematurely, according to new studies shared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The chances of stillbirth are also higher.
Observing cases
While the reports and studies paint a grim perspective, some health experts argue that the research is based on a small number of patients out of which many have been hospitalized after contracting the virus, and the results may not be relevant for all pregnant women that could be infected.
Some of the pregnant women who were hospitalized did not feature any symptoms. Among those who featured symptoms, up to 30% required intensive care, while up to 8.5 percent needed ventilators to breath properly. Out of 703 cases that were observed by specialists, 3 patients died due to developing severe complications.
Health risks
Some of the women infected with coronavirus were exposed to a higher chance of preterm delivery in comparison to previous expectations, while others experienced stillbirths. Previous research has inferred that there is a palpable tie between COVID-19 and stillbirths, including a British study that showed that the number of stillbirths rose in the UK after the start of the pandemic.
Changes associated with the pregnancy can also worsen some of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 as the lungs can be pressed by the uterus while the cardiovascular system works harder to provide nutrients and oxygen for two organisms. An additional threat is posed by the fact that the coronavirus favors the formation of blood clots.
More research work will take place, and new information could be shared in the future.