Health Watch: New study finds health risks from COVID-19 during pregnancy

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - A new large international study found that pregnant women who get COVID-19 at any point during their pregnancy are at greater risk of being admitted into the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and are more likely to die from the virus.

Dr. Tara Narula with Lenox Hill Hospital, explained, “This was a very large study. About 13,000 pregnant women. Twelve countries. Twelve studies all put together that they reviewed”

The study found that of those pregnant women studied who got COVID-19, were nearly four times more likely to be admitted to an ICU, had 15 times greater risk of getting put on a ventilator, and were seven times more likely to die compared to those who were pregnant and not infected.

There was also an increased risk of conditions like pre-eclampsia, hypertensive disorders, and blood clotting.

Researchers found dangers for babies, too. “There was an increased risk of pre-term birth, low birth weight and getting admitted to a neonatal ICU,” Narula said.

Health experts say getting vaccinated is the best way to protect pregnant women and their babies.

Right now, about 72% of pregnant women in the United States received their first series, and only about 19% have gotten an updated booster. According to Narula, “The CDC [Centers for Disease Control], the American College of OBGYNs, the Society of Maternal-Fetal medicine, all support the safety and the benefits of getting vaccinated during pregnancy at any point, getting your booster, if you’re eligible, and also if you’re conceiving or planning on getting pregnant.”

Pregnant women can also protect their babies by getting a covid vaccine, the study said.

Antibodies from the vaccine will also help protect newborns, which is important because babies aren’t eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination until they’re six months old.