Unvaccinated Pregnant People with COVID-19 More Likely to Have Babies with Respiratory Distress, Study Finds
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles has shed light on the potential risks of COVID-19 for pregnant individuals and their babies. The study found that unvaccinated pregnant people who contracted COVID-19 were more likely to have babies who suffered from respiratory distress. This discovery underscores the importance of vaccination for pregnant individuals and highlights the potential consequences of not taking preventive measures.
The study involved a total of 221 pregnant individuals, with 151 of them being unvaccinated before contracting COVID-19. All 151 unvaccinated individuals met the criteria for severe or critical COVID-19, as defined by the National Institutes of Health. In contrast, only 4% of the 70 vaccinated pregnant individuals met the same criteria. The researchers were able to examine 199 babies born between April 2020 and August 2022, none of whom tested positive for the virus.
The findings revealed that exposure to COVID-19 during pregnancy may trigger an inflammatory response in the airways of newborns, leading to respiratory distress. The researchers identified a potential pathway involving the function of cilia, tiny hair-like structures on cell surfaces that help clear germs and particles from the airways. Babies born to unvaccinated mothers had up to three times higher odds of experiencing respiratory distress compared to those born to vaccinated mothers.
Dr. Karin Nielsen, a professor of pediatrics at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine, emphasized the significance of vaccination in preventing this complication. She stated, “We found unusually high rates of respiratory distress shortly after birth in full-term babies born to mothers who had COVID-19 during pregnancy. The mothers had not been vaccinated prior to acquiring COVID, indicating that vaccination protects against this complication.”
It is important to note that further research is needed to fully understand the impact of COVID-19 on respiratory distress when considering other factors that contribute to respiratory distress syndrome. The study had certain limitations, such as a small and homogenous sample size, which may affect the generalizability of the results. Therefore, additional research is necessary to validate these findings.
Respiratory distress in infants refers to difficulty breathing or increased effort required to breathe within the first 24 hours after birth. Symptoms may include wheezing, sweating, changes in breathing rate, or discoloration around the lips or mouth. Pregnant individuals with COVID-19 are already known to be at a higher risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and other complications. The study’s authors highlighted that maternal vaccination not only protects against severe disease in pregnant individuals but also reduces the likelihood of neonatal respiratory distress.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently recommends COVID-19 vaccination for all pregnant individuals. Studies have shown that there are no safety concerns for babies born to vaccinated individuals. This recommendation underscores the importance of taking proactive measures to protect both the pregnant individual and their baby from the potential risks associated with COVID-19.
In conclusion, the recent study conducted by researchers at UCLA has provided valuable insights into the impact of COVID-19 on pregnant individuals and their babies. The findings highlight the increased risk of respiratory distress in babies born to unvaccinated mothers who contracted COVID-19 during pregnancy. Vaccination emerges as a crucial preventive measure to protect against this complication. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore the broader implications of COVID-19 on respiratory distress syndrome. The study serves as a reminder of the importance of following public health guidelines and taking proactive steps to safeguard the health of pregnant individuals and their babies during these challenging times.
