Title: “Study Shows Increased Risk of Respiratory Distress in Babies Born to Covid-Positive Mothers”
Los Angeles, CA – A recent study conducted on 221 pregnant women with Covid-19 has revealed concerning findings regarding the health of their newborns. The study, predominantly focused on Black or Hispanic women, identified “unusually high rates” of respiratory distress in babies born to mothers who had contracted the virus during pregnancy.
According to the research, around 17% of the newborns were diagnosed with respiratory distress shortly after birth, a condition characterized by difficulty breathing. These infants required an average hospital stay of approximately 24 days, highlighting the severity of the condition.
The study also established a link between Covid-19 during pregnancy and other potential complications. Expectant mothers infected with the virus face an increased risk of severe illness, as well as potential fatality. Additionally, the research found a higher likelihood of preterm birth, stillbirth, and neurodevelopmental issues within the child’s first year of life.
Further research indicates that children exposed to Covid-19 in the womb may also experience delayed speech or motor skills, although the specific connection is not yet fully understood. Moreover, it has been observed that contracting the flu during pregnancy can raise the chances of preterm birth and birth defects. Bacterial and viral infections during pregnancy have also been linked to an increased risk of autism and depression in children.
The leading hypothesis to explain the health issues faced by infants exposed to Covid-19 in the womb revolves around inflammation. Inflammatory proteins produced as a result of the virus in a mother’s body can activate immune cells in both the placenta and the newborn. This inflammatory response disrupts the normal function of cilia (tiny hair-like structures) and may lead to breathing difficulties later in life, increasing the risk of asthma.
Interestingly, the study found that infants born to unvaccinated mothers were three times more likely to experience respiratory distress than those born to mothers who had received at least one mRNA vaccine dose. This suggests that vaccinating pregnant women against Covid-19 can significantly reduce the risk to their unborn babies.
Experts emphasize that Covid vaccines are safe to receive at any point during pregnancy, with no specified ideal trimester for vaccination. In fact, vaccinating mothers in the early third trimester was found to maximize the transfer of antibodies to their infants, further protecting them from potential harm.
It is worth noting that even if a pregnant woman has previously contracted Covid-19, experts still recommend getting vaccinated if eligible. The vaccine offers additional protection against reinfection and mitigates the risks associated with Covid-19 during pregnancy.
As Covid-19 continues to pose a threat, especially for vulnerable populations like pregnant women, it is crucial to prioritize their health and that of their unborn children. Equipping expectant mothers with accurate information about the potential risks and the benefits of vaccination can help make informed decisions and safeguard the well-being of both mother and child.
Contact:
For more information, please contact The News Teller’s Health Desk at [email protected].
“Explorer. Devoted travel specialist. Web expert. Organizer. Social media geek. Coffee enthusiast. Extreme troublemaker. Food trailblazer. Total bacon buff.”
