Can Having Coronavirus While Pregnant Lead to Birth Injuries?

Multiple studies have been conducted across the globe of pregnant women and those who have given birth during the Coronavirus pandemic. The studies have shown that the risk of transmitting the virus to the baby during childbirth is low, and that there is no direct link found between COVID-19 and birth injuries.

The Nuffield Department of Population Health conducted a study of 427 pregnant women who tested positive for the Coronavirus in the United Kingdom. All of the women had complications that led to them being hospitalized. The study discovered the following:

• Almost one out of every five babies was born prematurely; fewer than 20 were born “severely” premature
• Of the total number of babies born, only 12 tested positive for COVID-19
• Six of the 12 babies who tested positive did so immediately after being born
• One out of every 10 babies was born to a woman who tested positive for the virus. This rate is fairly close to the number of babies born to women who tested negative.

Impacts to the body from the Coronavirus

While coronavirus itself is not responsible for any birth injuries, there is the possibility that complications can arise during or after labor. Women who are pregnant are viewed as immunocompromised at all times, but medical researchers do not know if they are at an increased risk to contract the Coronavirus compared to the risk of contracting the flu or common cold.

Furthermore, any patient, immunocompromised or not, can develop serious complications from coronavirus, which could affect the safety and wellbeing of the mother and child during pregnancy and labor. Those complications and medical emergencies include:

• Heart failure
• Organ failure
• Renal failure
• Pneumonia
• Stroke
• Blood clots
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
• Damage to the liver, kidneys, heart, lungs, and other organs
• Damage to the tissue of alveoli in the lungs and blood vessels

The risk of stroke is a serious concern

As it is, pregnant women have a higher risk of suffering stroke because of the strain placed on the body during pregnancy. The heart and the blood vessels experience serious strain during pregnancy. The woman’s hormones also change dramatically. Women who suffer a stroke during pregnancy do so because of any of the following issues:

• Blood clots
• High blood pressure
• Gestational diabetes
• Preeclampsia

Being diagnosed with any of the above issues can put a serious strain on your immune system while pregnant. It is vital that you protect yourself, speak often with your doctor, and watch for warning signs of declining health.

Protecting yourself and your baby during the pandemic

Take every precaution possible prior to and during your pregnancy with the Coronavirus pandemic impacting millions of people across the globe. Stay away from people who do not live in your home and anyone who is sick. You should also follow these guidelines:

• Remain active
• Refrain from smoking
• Eat healthy meals
• Stay at a healthy weight
• Work with your doctors

The good news is that COVID-19 does not appear to cause birth injuries. However, if you or your baby suffers harm because of negligent treatment, related or unrelated to coronavirus, the Mississippi medical malpractice attorney from Merkel & Cocke, P.A. may be able to help. Call our office at 662-627-9641 or complete a contact form to schedule an appointment. We operate offices in Jackson, Clarksdale, and Oxford to better serve our clients.