Study shows devastating impact of COVID-19 in pregnancy
University of Oxford research shows that severe COVID-19 infection in pregnant women significantly increases the risk of harmful outcomes for mother and baby.
The LCRN-supported UK-wide Obstetric Surveillance System (UKOSS) examined data from 4,436 pregnant women admitted to hospital with confirmed COVID-19 infection from March 2020 to October 2021.
Two-thirds (65%) had mild infection, 21% moderate and 14% severe. Over three quarters (77%) were in their third trimester, from 28 weeks to birth.
Women with severe infection were significantly more likely to give birth early, have an induction or a caesarean or have a baby that was stillborn or required admission to a neonatal intensive care unit.
Women over 30; those of Black, Asian or other minority ethnicity and who were obese or with health conditions such as high blood pressure were at greater risk of severe infection.
Vaccination protects pregnant women from severe illness and hospitalisation. However, only 6.8% of pregnant black women and 10.2% of pregnant women in more deprived areas of England have had two vaccine doses.
Marian Knight, Professor of Maternal and Child Population Health at The National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, University of Oxford, who led the study, said: “Most women give birth safely and have healthy babies, but sadly we know that pregnant women are at greater risk of developing severe COVID-19 infection, particularly in the third trimester. This can lead to tragic outcomes, including premature birth and stillbirth.
“While vaccination rates are increasing, it is extremely concerning that pregnant women who are at most risk of severe infection are among the communities least likely to be vaccinated before giving birth. Local community engagement with vulnerable groups of women should be an urgent priority to address concerns and give reassurance about the COVID-19 vaccine.”
The study is jointly funded by the NIHR and health charity Wellbeing of Women. Read more on the NIHR website.
