Pregnant women who contract COVID-19 face a significantly increased risk of preterm birth, according to a new study published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics..
The study, conducted by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, looked at data from over 2,400 pregnant women who were tested for COVID-19. Of those women, 277 (11%) tested positive for the virus..
The researchers found that women who tested positive for COVID-19 were 44% more likely to give birth prematurely, compared to women who tested negative. The risk of preterm birth was even higher for women who were hospitalized with COVID-19, with a 60% increased risk..
The study also found that women who tested positive for COVID-19 were more likely to have other pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes..
The findings of this study add to the growing body of evidence that COVID-19 can have serious consequences for pregnant women and their babies. It is important for pregnant women to take steps to protect themselves from COVID-19, such as getting vaccinated and wearing a mask in public places..
Here are some additional key findings from the study:.
* The risk of preterm birth was highest among women who were infected with COVID-19 during their third trimester..
* Women who were infected with COVID-19 were also more likely to have a low birth weight baby..
* The study did not find any association between COVID-19 infection and stillbirth..
The researchers say that their findings highlight the importance of vaccination for pregnant women. Vaccination is the best way to protect pregnant women and their babies from COVID-19 and its serious complications..
If you are pregnant, please talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated against COVID-19. Vaccination is safe and effective for pregnant women and their babies..
