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Pregnant individuals infected with COVID-19 face a significantly elevated risk of stillbirth compared to those who do not contract the virus. As vaccination efforts continue, a troubling trend has emerged: many pregnant individuals remain hesitant to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Early in the vaccination rollout, concerns were raised about the lack of pregnant and breastfeeding participants in initial trials, leading to apprehension about vaccine safety. However, a wealth of data now supports the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness during pregnancy.
Recent findings from the CDC indicate that pregnant individuals who contract COVID-19 are at a markedly higher risk of experiencing stillbirths. A study released on November 19, 2021, reveals that the risk of stillbirth is four times greater for those infected with the virus, particularly since the emergence of the Delta variant. The study analyzed birth data from March 2020 to September 2021, showing that:
- 0.64% of births among those without COVID-19 resulted in stillbirths.
- 0.98% of births among infected pregnant individuals resulted in stillbirths.
- The stillbirth rate for pregnant individuals with COVID-19 surged to 2.7% once the Delta variant became prevalent in the U.S.
The CDC has noted the need for further research to understand the biological mechanisms behind this increased risk. Additionally, while all subjects in the study contracted COVID during their pregnancy, the exact timing of their infection remains unclear.
To mitigate the risk of COVID-19 infection during pregnancy, vaccination is strongly recommended. As of September 18, 2021, only 31% of pregnant individuals had received the vaccine. Dr. Alex Harper, a specialist at a major medical center, expressed concern, stating, “It’s disheartening that after ten months of having a highly effective vaccine, many are still hesitant to get vaccinated.”
Beyond the increased risk of stillbirth, unvaccinated pregnant individuals face numerous severe complications from COVID-19. The CDC reports that symptomatic pregnant individuals are over twice as likely to require ICU care, invasive ventilation, or supplemental oxygen, with a 70% higher mortality rate compared to non-pregnant individuals. Additionally, these individuals are at greater risk for preterm birth and other adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preeclampsia. Babies born to those infected with the virus are also at risk, with 4% testing positive for COVID-19 and facing higher chances of neonatal ICU admission.
In conclusion, the CDC emphasizes the critical importance of implementing evidence-based strategies for COVID-19 prevention, including vaccination during pregnancy, to reduce the incidence of stillbirth and other severe outcomes associated with the virus.
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Summary: Pregnant individuals infected with COVID-19 have a higher risk of stillbirth, particularly since the Delta variant emerged. Vaccination against COVID-19 is crucial to reduce these risks and protect both mother and baby. Despite the availability of safe vaccines, many pregnant individuals remain unvaccinated, facing greater risks of severe complications and adverse pregnancy outcomes.