Covid: Stillbirth and prematurity risks may be higher

A large UK study suggests having coronavirus around the time of birth may increase the chance of stillbirths and premature births - although the overall risks remain low.

Scientists say while most pregnancies are not affected, their findings should encourage pregnant women to have jabs as soon as they are eligible.

The majority are offered vaccines when they are rolled out to their age group.

The study appears in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The research, led by the National Maternity and Perinatal Audit, looked at data involving more than 340,000 women who gave birth in England between the end of May 2020 and January 2021.

Researchers say a higher risk of stillbirth and prematurity, as well as a greater chance of having a Caesarean section, remained even once factors such as the mother's age, ethnicity, socio-economic background and common health conditions were taken into account.

Babies born to women who tested positive were more likely to need special neonatal intensive care because they were born early and needed more support - rather than being infected with coronavirus itself.

Professor Asma Khalil, co-author of the paper, said it was important for women and healthcare workers to be aware of the potential risks.

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Source: BBC News, 21 May 2021