New study warns pregnant women infected with COVID-19 at a higher rate
According to a study published by the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, pregnant women in the state of Washington were infected with COVID at a 70 percent higher rate than other women of similar ages.
For many soon-to-be moms, like Lauren Schneider who is 28 weeks pregnant, all the information can be overwhelming.
"It’s nerve wracking because you don’t always know what is factual and what isn’t," Schneider said.
Dr. Geeta Swamy with Duke Health says the study is helpful but data may vary.
"I think what we do know for certain is that if they get COVID, their risk of complication is higher than other individuals," Swamy, said.
Schneider says catching COVID-19 is something she constantly worries about.
"This is something I think about every single day. I read too many articles because the information is ever-changing, and I want to make sure I’m making the best decision for myself and my baby," she said.
The study also found rates of infection among pregnant women of color far higher than researchers expected.
"They may be on the front lines, in regards to restaurants, long-term care facilities, nurses and so forth," Swamy said.
She says there’s still not a lot of data when it comes to pregnant women and the effects of COVID-19. She adds, pregnant women certainly need to have a seat at the table when it comes to vaccine trials.
