Pregnant women may be at higher risk for Covid-19 infection

Pregnant women may be at higher risk for Covid-19 infection

 

A new study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology finds that pregnant women are at increased risk for Covid-19.   Published last Tuesday, the study found rates of infection among pregnant women in Washington state was 70% higher than in similar age adults in the state. It also found that rates of infection among pregnant women of color were two to four times higher than expected.   "Higher infection rates in pregnant patients may be due to the overrepresentation of women in many professions and industries considered essential during the COVID-19 pandemic -- including healthcare, education, service sectors," said lead author Dr. Erica Lokken.   The researchers suggest that pregnant people should be broadly prioritized for Covid-19 vaccination.   While the CDC and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists say pregnant women should be offered the vaccine, there is little, if any, data looking at Covid-19 vaccines in pregnant women, and the studies are only just beginning.