people who contract covid towards the end of their pregnancy may be more likely to have babies born prematurely, according to a new study published in the journal plos one — but the risk of pregnancy loss isn’t any higher.
“the results are encouraging and reassuring that covid-19 infection during pregnancy is not associated with any type of pregnancy loss,” said dr. tal patalon , one of the study’s authors. “however, it should be remembered that the research group tested the covid pre-delta variants, and does not refer to the dominant variant today, which is omicron. we continue to conduct research to provide real-world data and knowledge to the public and decision-makers.”
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a birth is considered preterm when a baby is born before 37 weeks (about nine months) of pregnancy. premature babies face a host of potential health problems, the cdc explains, given that organs like the brain, lungs and liver usually develop in the final weeks of pregnancy. babies born before 32 weeks (eight months) of pregnancy have higher rates of death and disability. premature babies may also have problems breathing and feeding, as well as hearing or vision problems. there’s also an increased risk of developmental delay.
some things that can be very detrimental to a baby in early pregnancy, like alcohol, are much less risky in moderation towards the end of the pregnancy. but patalon said that given the study’s results, it makes sense for pregnant people to exercise caution towards covid even until the very end of their pregnancy.
there haven’t been many studies examining the results of covid during pregnancy. but according to health canada , people who contract the virus while pregnant are more at risk of severe outcomes if they do get sick. the covid vaccine is recommended to anyone who’s pregnant or planning to get pregnant soon — while conspiracy theorists have spread the message that it’s harmful, health canada confirms that getting the vaccine while pregnant is the safest option for parent and child. there’s also no evidence of the vaccine has any effect on miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or any other negative aspect related to fertility or pregnancy.
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