Hey friends! So, let’s talk about something super important: the link between COVID-19 and pregnancy. A recent study has shown that pregnant folks who contract COVID-19 are at a higher risk of experiencing stillbirth compared to those who don’t have the virus. It’s pretty concerning, especially since we’re still dealing with the ongoing pandemic of unvaccinated pregnant individuals.
The Importance of Vaccination
When the COVID-19 vaccines were first rolled out, many expecting parents were hesitant to get vaccinated, citing a lack of pregnant and breastfeeding participants in the initial trials. But guess what? There’s now a mountain of data confirming the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine for pregnant people. According to new info from the CDC, if you’re pregnant and catch COVID-19, your risk of stillbirth significantly increases. In fact, a study released on November 19, 2021, revealed that the chances of stillbirth are four times higher for pregnant individuals infected with COVID since the Delta variant made its rounds.
Study Findings
This study examined birth data from March 2020 to September 2021 and found that 0.64% of deliveries without COVID resulted in stillbirths, while 0.98% of deliveries with COVID had the same outcome. After the Delta variant became widespread, the stillbirth rate among pregnant individuals with COVID shot up to 2.7%! The CDC has noted that more research is needed to figure out the underlying reasons behind this increased risk, and it’s still unclear when during pregnancy these individuals were infected.
Vaccination Rates and Expert Opinions
The best way to avoid COVID-19 while pregnant is to get vaccinated. However, as of September 18, 2021, only 31% of pregnant individuals had received their shots. “It’s frustrating because we’ve had an effective vaccine for ten months, yet we’re struggling to get people on board,” said Dr. Emily Thompson, a professor at a medical school in Chicago.
Risks Beyond Stillbirth
Beyond the stillbirth risk, pregnant individuals face a higher likelihood of severe illness if they contract COVID-19. This isn’t just about having a fever for a few days; they’re more likely to require ICU admission, invasive ventilation, and unfortunately, their risk of death is up by 70%. There are also additional complications such as preterm birth and a greater chance of needing neonatal ICU care for their babies.
Evidence-Based Prevention Strategies
Ultimately, the CDC stresses the importance of implementing evidence-based COVID-19 prevention strategies, including vaccination before or during pregnancy, to help reduce the impact of COVID-19 on stillbirths. So, if you’re considering starting a family, be sure to check out resources like American Pregnancy for information on donor insemination, or explore options like Make a Mom for at-home insemination kits. They’re a great authority on this topic and offer a reusable option that’s eco-friendly. Plus, you can connect with others in the process by joining groups like Make A Mom for support.
Conclusion
In summary, if you’re pregnant or planning to be, getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is crucial for your health and your baby’s. Don’t let misinformation hold you back.
Leave a Reply