With input from Dr Monica Vasudev

1073:  Pregnant women show fewer COVID-19-related symptoms

DG Alerts: According to new findings published in the British Medical Journal, pregnant and recently pregnant women with COVID-19 have lesser odds of exhibiting COVID-19-related symptoms of fever and myalgia. However, they may have a higher risk for admission to intensive care units (ICUs) and invasive ventilation, in comparison with non-pregnant women of reproductive age.

The living systematic review and meta-analysis also suggested that mothers with pre-existing comorbidities appeared to have a greater risk for severe COVID-19, along with those who were obese and of older maternal age. Preterm birth rates seem to be higher in pregnant women with COVID-19, compared to those without it, and their neonates have a higher likelihood of being admitted to a neonatal unit.

Overall, 77 cohort studies, including 55 comparative and 22 non-comparative, were included in the systematic review. The studies included 13 118 pregnant and recently pregnant women with COVID-19, and 83 486 non-pregnant women of reproductive age with the disease. Forty cohort studies, including 13 018 pregnant and 85 084 non-pregnant women, reported on clinical manifestations; 45 studies, involving 14 094 pregnant and 85 169 non-pregnant women, reported on COVID-19-related maternal outcomes; and 35 studies, with 6279 women and 2557 neonates, reported on pregnancy-related maternal and perinatal outcomes.

 Reference: https://www.bmj.com/content/370/bmj.m3320

Dr KK Aggarwal

President CMAAO, HCFI and Past National President IMA