A recent study conducted in Washington state reveals that pregnant individuals are significantly more susceptible to contracting COVID-19, with infection rates 70% higher than those of similarly aged individuals in the region. The findings, published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, highlight that pregnant individuals from minority backgrounds are disproportionately affected by the virus.
Lead researcher, Dr. Jenna Marks from the University of Washington, stated, “Our findings show that pregnancy did not shield individuals from the pandemic as we had hoped. The elevated infection rates among pregnant individuals, alongside the heightened risk for severe illness and maternal mortality due to COVID-19, indicate that pregnancy should be classified as a high-risk health condition for vaccine distribution across the U.S.”
The research team analyzed data from 240 pregnant individuals who contracted the virus between March and June 2020, drawing from 35 hospitals and clinics, which represent 61% of the state’s annual births. The study discovered that approximately 13.9 out of every 1,000 newborns born during this period had COVID-19, in contrast to 7.3 out of 1,000 residents aged 20 to 39 years.
Excluding 45 cases identified through asymptomatic screening, the infection rate among pregnant individuals was revised to 11.3 per 1,000. “Pregnant individuals were not insulated from COVID-19 during the early phases of the pandemic, with the highest rates of infection observed in various racial and ethnic minorities,” the researchers noted. They emphasized that recognizing pregnancy as a risk factor for severe illness strongly supports prioritizing pregnant individuals for COVID-19 vaccination.
Dr. Marks also encouraged expectant mothers to engage in discussions about the risks and benefits of COVID-19 vaccination with their healthcare providers. “We aim to utilize insights from this study to better prepare for future pandemics, ensuring that pregnant individuals are included in vaccine trials and allocation strategies,” she remarked.
Health organizations including the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend that pregnant individuals eligible for COVID-19 vaccines should receive them. The researchers believe that the increased infection rates among pregnant people may be attributed to factors such as exposure from children in daycare, caregiving roles within larger families, and their representation in essential sectors during the pandemic.
In conclusion, understanding the geographical, racial, ethnic, and linguistic demographics of COVID-19 infections among pregnant individuals is crucial for tailoring public health responses effectively. This will help target those at the highest risk for adverse outcomes related to COVID-19.
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Summary
A study indicates that pregnant individuals are at a 70% higher risk of contracting COVID-19 compared to their non-pregnant peers. This heightened risk is particularly pronounced among racial and ethnic minorities. Researchers emphasize the need for prioritizing pregnant individuals in vaccination efforts and understanding the factors contributing to their increased infection rates.
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