About 10% of those pregnant during COVID-19 may face long-term symptoms like fatigue, with risk factors including anxiety and obesity. A study finds that about 10% of pregnant women contracting COVID-19 may develop long COVID, showing higher risks of long-term symptoms like fatigue and gastrointestinal issues. Factors such as anxiety, obesity, and financial hardship were linked to increased risk, and health practitioners are urged to be vigilant about these symptoms to provide proper care.
Nearly one in 10 people who get COVID while pregnant will go on to develop long COVID, a report published today (July 11 th ) in Obstetrics & Gynecology has found. Surprising Prevalence and Risks “It was surprising to me that the prevalence was that high,” says Torri Metz, MD, vice chair of research of obstetrics and gynecology at University of Utah Health, who co-led the nationwide study. “This is something that does continue to affect otherwise reasonably healthy and young populations.
” Torri Metz, MD, co-lead author of the study, sees a pregnant patient. Credit: Charlie Ehlert / University of Utah Health Prior research had shown that COVID affects pregnant people in uniquely risky ways. A COVID infection during pregnancy is more likely to lead to hospitalization or death, compared to an infection outside of pregnancy.
COVID also increases the risk of pregnancy-related complications such as preterm birth or stillbirth . But until this study, the risk to pregnant people of developi.
