Expecting individuals who contract COVID-19 face a heightened risk of stillbirth compared to those who remain uninfected. As the COVID-19 vaccination efforts ramped up, a troubling trend emerged: many pregnant individuals have been hesitant to get vaccinated. Initially, concerns arose due to the lack of pregnant and breastfeeding participants in early vaccine trials. However, a wealth of data now confirms the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine for those who are pregnant.
Recent statistics from the CDC indicate that pregnant individuals with COVID-19 have a significantly increased likelihood of experiencing stillbirth, particularly since the emergence of the Delta variant. A study released on November 19, 2021, revealed that the risk of stillbirth for pregnant individuals with COVID-19 is four times greater than for those who are not infected. The findings showed:
- 0.64% of deliveries without COVID-19 resulted in stillbirths.
- 0.98% of deliveries involving pregnant individuals with COVID-19 resulted in stillbirths.
- Following the rise of the Delta variant, the stillbirth rate among pregnant individuals with COVID-19 soared to 2.7%.
While the CDC emphasizes the need for more research to understand the biological reasons behind this increased risk, they have pointed out that the study participants were confirmed to have COVID-19 during their pregnancies, although the timing of their infection remains unclear.
Vaccination against COVID-19 is a crucial step in preventing infection during pregnancy. Yet, as of September 18, 2021, only 31% of pregnant individuals had received the vaccine. Dr. Emily Clarke, a maternal health expert, lamented the slow uptake, stating, “It’s heartbreaking to see so many individuals missing out on the protection that’s been proven effective for nearly a year.”
The dangers of COVID-19 extend beyond stillbirth. Pregnant individuals infected with the virus are at a significantly higher risk for severe illness compared to those who are not pregnant. The CDC notes that symptomatic pregnant individuals are over twice as likely to require ICU admission and experience a 70% increased risk of death. Furthermore, those with COVID-19 may encounter complications such as preterm birth or preeclampsia. Babies born to infected individuals are also at greater risk for admission to the neonatal ICU, with approximately 4% testing positive for the virus.
In conclusion, the CDC stresses the importance of implementing evidence-based COVID-19 prevention strategies, including vaccination, to mitigate the risks associated with stillbirth and other severe outcomes during pregnancy.
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Summary:
Pregnant individuals with COVID-19 face a significantly higher risk of stillbirth, particularly with the emergence of the Delta variant. Vaccination is critical for reducing these risks, yet many remain unvaccinated. The CDC emphasizes the urgency of implementing effective COVID-19 prevention strategies during pregnancy.