Study Finds In-Person Healthcare Visits Not a Significant Risk Factor for COVID-19 in Pregnancy

Concerns Over Patient Avoidance of Medical Care

The COVID-19 pandemic has raised significant concerns regarding patient avoidance of essential medical care. This is especially critical for obstetrical patients, who depend on regular in-person check-ups and scans to monitor the health of both mother and baby.

Research Overview

A recent study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association investigated the relationship between the frequency of in-person healthcare visits and the risk of coronavirus infection during pregnancy. Conducted in Massachusetts, the study focused on the high COVID-19 case rates in Boston during the spring of 2020.

The research involved 2,968 obstetrical patients scheduled for delivery between April and June 2020 at four different hospitals in the Boston area. Each participant was tested for coronavirus infection both during pregnancy and upon admission for delivery. The study also considered various factors such as ethnicity, type of insurance, and the COVID-19 infection rate in the patients’ zip codes. Additionally, adjustments were made for age, body mass index (BMI), and essential worker status.

Findings of the Study

The study revealed no significant correlation between the number of in-person healthcare visits and the likelihood of contracting coronavirus. Among the participants, only 111 tested positive for the virus at any point during their pregnancy. Notably, the average number of visits for those who tested positive was 3.1, while it was 3.3 for those who tested negative.

These findings suggest that essential in-person healthcare visits can be conducted safely, as the risk of infection did not appear to be influenced by healthcare settings.

Expert Commentary

Dr. Sharon Reale, who led the research, highlighted a major concern in obstetrics and general medicine: patients are avoiding necessary medical care due to fears of contracting COVID-19 in healthcare environments. She noted, “There was no indication that in-person healthcare affects risk of infection.”

This study serves as an important reassurance for patients who may be anxious about attending in-person appointments due to potential infection risks. Dr. Reale further stated, “Results will need to be replicated outside of obstetrics, but this should be reassuring and indicate that necessary and important care should be done and can be done safely.”

Conclusion

The findings from this research aim to alleviate fears among patients regarding in-person healthcare visits during pregnancy, emphasizing the safety of essential medical care in the current pandemic landscape.

Written by Albina Babu, MSc

References

Reale, S.C., et al. (2020). Association between number of in-person health care visits and SARS-CoV-2 infection in obstetrical patients. JAMA.
For pregnant patients, number of clinic visits not tied to risk of getting COVID-19 (2020). Retrieved from: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-08/bawh-fpp081420.php
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