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COVID-19 and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know - Cord Blood

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COVID-19 and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

A scientist looking at test tubes in a laboratory

COVID-19 is a virus that has caused a worldwide pandemic since it was first identified in China in December 2019. There have been different variants of the virus, with the latest one called Omicron. COVID-19 is highly contagious and has led to many cases and deaths around the world. A study has looked at its effects on pregnant women and their babies.

How COVID-19 Affects Pregnant Women

Pregnant women with COVID-19 might experience common symptoms like cough, fever, and fatigue. In some cases, the illness can become severe and even lead to death. Since the pandemic began, there has been an increase in maternal deaths related to COVID-19.

The Impact on Babies

We still don’t know much about how COVID-19 affects babies during pregnancy. Vertical transmission, which is when the virus passes from mother to baby, seems to be rare. In the third trimester, the estimate is around 3.5%. However, there have been few cases of fetal and neonatal deaths related to the virus. These deaths could be due to the severity of the mother’s infection or premature birth. Fortunately, there is no evidence of babies testing positive for COVID-19 after they have passed away.

The Role of the Placenta

The placenta plays a crucial role in providing nutrients and oxygen to the baby while also protecting them from harmful substances. However, COVID-19 can cause problems with blood flow in the placenta, which can affect the baby’s health. This happens because the virus triggers inflammation and blood clotting, making it harder for the placenta to deliver what the baby needs.

Conclusion

After three years of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have learned a lot about how the virus affects pregnant women and their babies. However, there is still more to discover, including the long-term effects on babies who were infected in the womb. The findings in this report show us how COVID-19 can impact the placenta and the overall health of babies. With the wide range of symptoms and effects on the placenta, it is currently difficult to predict the outcome of the virus for pregnant women and their babies.