New UKOSS study on 427 pregnant women with confirmed SARS-COV2 infection between 1st March to 14th April 2020:
Incidence of hospitalisation 4.9 pregnant women/1000
9% required respiratory support
Five women who were admitted and had a positive test for SARS-CoV-2 sadly died
56% were from BAME (black, Asian, ethnic minority) background
Older women, those with pre-existing co-morbidities like diabetes, hypertension, obesity were more likely to be admitted to hospital
Median gestation to develop symptoms 34 weeks
74% gave birth at term. 12% delivered preterm solely due to maternal respiratory compromise.
1 in 20 of the babies of mothers admitted tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in samples taken less than 12 hours after birth.
Overall, the incidence of SARS-COV2 infection is not greater than non-pregnant women. The risks of transmission to infants are uncommon.
However, the black, Asian, ethnic minority group, especially those with co-morbidities like diabetes, hypertension, elderly women are at higher risk. Healthcare professionals need to keep increased awareness while treating them.
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