A recent study has revealed that unvaccinated pregnant women face a significantly higher risk of severe health complications and stillbirths compared to those who are vaccinated. Researchers from Scotland found that pregnant women who contracted Covid-19 were much more likely to experience severe outcomes, including losing their baby, especially if they got infected close to their delivery date.
Key Findings of the Study
For context, the study showed that the stillbirth rate among unvaccinated women who caught Covid within four weeks of giving birth was alarmingly high—22.6 deaths per 1,000 births. This figure is four times greater than the overall stillbirth rate in Scotland. Dr. Fiona Mitchell, the study’s lead author, pointed out that “none of the babies born to vaccinated mothers who contracted the virus experienced such tragic outcomes.”
In addition, the research highlighted an increased incidence of preterm births among those diagnosed with Covid. Over 16% of the unvaccinated pregnant women in the study delivered before 37 weeks, compared to just 8% of those who were vaccinated. Delivering a premature baby comes with its own set of challenges, like breathing difficulties and heart issues. It’s evident that not getting vaccinated against Covid can exacerbate these risks, especially for expectant moms.
The Importance of Vaccination
Despite the overwhelming evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of the Covid vaccine for pregnant individuals, many still hesitate to get vaccinated. While initial concerns about the vaccine were understandable, ongoing research continually confirms that it is both safe and protective for mothers and their babies. As of January 2022, only about 40% of pregnant individuals in the U.S. had received the Covid vaccine, while around 63% of the general population had been vaccinated.
Resources for Expecting Families
If you’re considering starting or expanding your family, check out resources like Make A Mom for at-home insemination options, including their re-usable artificial insemination kit. You can also join the Make A Mom community for free sperm donor matching. For more insights on home insemination, you can visit our detailed explanation of how it works. For anyone dealing with fertility issues, the CDC offers valuable information that can be helpful in your journey.
Conclusion
In summary, the evidence strongly suggests that unvaccinated pregnant women are at an increased risk for serious health issues related to Covid-19, including stillbirths and preterm births. Vaccination is a critical step in protecting both mother and baby.
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