Research shows that more mothers and infants are dying across the United States due to Covid-19 related complications. During the first two waves of Covid-19, the death rates among pregnant women and new mothers rose sharply regardless of age.
Statistics
In the U.S., approximately 11 pregnant women and recently delivered moms died for every 1 million births due to the pandemic. This does not include those deaths resulting from pre-existing illnesses that have also been exacerbated by Covid-19.
Risk Factors
Pregnant women and new mothers are at a higher risk for severe complications for a variety of reasons including:
- Increased vulnerability to respiratory illnesses due to the additional oxygen needs of their bodies during pregnancy, delivery and the postpartum period.
- Increased risk of more serious complications due to their weakened immune systems.
Advice
Women who are pregnant or recently delivered and are at higher risk of contracting Covid-19 due to age or underlying conditions and should ensure they take the appropriate measures to protect themselves:
- Protect yourself: Wear a mask and adhere to social distancing guidelines when possible and follow other protocols for keeping yourself and your baby safe.
- Be aware: Monitor your own and your baby’s health and watch for any symptoms of Covid.
- Seek medical help: Reach out to your doctor or midwife if you experience any concerning symptoms, such as a fever or difficulty breathing.
The Covid-19 pandemic has had and continues to have serious physical and mental health consequences for pregnant women and new moms. It is important for families to be aware of the risks and for women to take the necessary precautions to keep them and their babies safe. Deaths among pregnant women and new mothers have increased significantly during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology on June 15th. The study reported that the number of deaths due to the causes of severe obstetric morbidity (unwanted or serious maternal complication) rose by 20 percent in the United States during the pandemic.
The data was derived from an analysis of 2 million live birth records between January 1, 2017 and June 30, 2020. It included national figures based on birth certificates and cause of death information from the US Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.
The study found that the increase in death rates was due to a number of factors, including older mothers and those with underlying conditions, like diabetes and hypertension. It was also associated with higher rates of delivery by Cesarean section due to delayed access to prenatal care. The study noted that this increase in maternal morbidity and mortality happened in almost every racial and ethnic group.
The authors of the study concluded that the increase in deaths during the pandemic was largely preventable if certain medical interventions had been taken. These include expanding access to prenatal and postpartum care; making sure that pregnant women and new mothers receive the appropriate healthcare; and implementing telemedicine support for pregnant women and monitoring their progress more closely.
The study underscores the importance of supporting pregnant women and new mothers during the pandemic. Healthcare providers should ensure they have access to timely and quality of care. If a pregnant woman has underlying conditions, they should be monitored more closely. Also, the need to reduce health disparities and implement measures to reduce maternal mortality must be a priority.
It is essential that healthcare workers and caregivers prioritize the health and safety of pregnant women and new mothers to reduce maternal mortality during the pandemic.
