Impact of COVID-19 on Pregnant Women: A Study on Severe Pneumonia Risk

Health Risks Faced by Pregnant Women

Pregnant women are at an increased risk for various health conditions, including high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, infections, toxemia, and preterm labor. The implications of COVID-19 on their health remain largely unknown. Given their heightened susceptibility to severe respiratory infections, the risks posed by COVID-19 could be significant for this population.

Mixed Data on COVID-19 and Pneumonia in Pregnancy

Research from China regarding the risk of pneumonia among pregnant women with COVID-19 has yielded inconsistent results. Initial reports suggested that mild COVID-19 cases affected pregnant women similarly to non-pregnant women. However, subsequent findings indicated that severe cases necessitated hospitalization in intensive care units (ICUs).

Research Study in Spain

Outside of China, Spain witnessed early extensive transmission of COVID-19. A study conducted by the Department of Obstetrics at the University Hospital ’12 de Octubre’ aimed to assess the risk of pneumonia in pregnant patients diagnosed with COVID-19. The results of this study were published in the journal EClinical Medicine by The Lancet.

Study Methodology

The study included pregnant women diagnosed with COVID-19 between March 5 and April 5, 2020. Researchers reviewed patients’ medical records and gathered data on vital signs, respiratory status, laboratory results, radiology findings, and administered medications. Data collection occurred at the time of diagnosis and continued over the first three days, then on days 5, 7, 10, and 14. The severity of COVID-19 was assessed based on patients’ respiratory function and blood oxygen levels.

Findings of the Study

Researchers monitored and treated patients according to guidelines set by the Spanish Ministry of Health. Pregnant patients with pneumonia received antibiotic treatment, while fetal health was monitored through ultrasound. Among the 52 COVID-19 positive patients in the study, 61.5% developed pneumonia, and 38.5% experienced upper respiratory infections. Over half required supplemental oxygen due to the severity of their infections. Notably, older patients exhibited a higher likelihood of developing pneumonia, with 1-2% requiring ICU admission.

Analysis of Symptoms and Outcomes

The study indicated that patients without respiratory distress, pain, or discomfort were likely to experience a milder illness. Conversely, those displaying patchy areas on chest X-rays, poor liver function, and elevated inflammatory markers were more prone to severe COVID-19 cases. Ultimately, the researchers concluded that pregnant women with COVID-19 face a heightened risk of pneumonia, with 60% of participants experiencing severe cases.

Conclusion

The findings underscore the importance of continued research and monitoring of pregnant women affected by COVID-19 to better understand and manage the associated health risks.

References

San-Juan, R., Barbero, P., Fernández-Ruiz, M., López-Medrano, F., Lizasoáin, M., & Hernández-Jiménez, P. et al. (2020). Incidence and clinical profiles of COVID-19 pneumonia in pregnant women: A single-centre cohort study from Spain. Eclinicalmedicine, 23, 100407. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2020.100407

What are some common complications of pregnancy?. (2020). Retrieved 30 June 2020, from https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/pregnancy/conditioninfo/complications.