CDC issues new guidance on risk of COVID to pregnant women

In its June 26 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) published last week, the CDC indicated that pregnant women may be at increased risk for severe COVID-19 illness.  More specifically, the MMWR study determined that pregnant women with COVID-19 were more likely than non-pregnant women to be hospitalized and at increased risk for intensive care unit (ICU) admission and the receipt of mechanical ventilation.  In its public-facing guidance, CDC notes that among pregnant people with COVID-19 “there may be an increased risk of adverse pregnant outcomes, such as preterm birth.”

In light of these new findings, the CDC is recommending that pregnant women be counseled about the potential risk for severe illness from COVID-19 and measures to prevent infection. Additionally, potential barriers to adherence to these measures should be addressed. Per CDC, specific actions pregnant women can take include “not skipping prenatal care appointments, limiting interactions with other people as much as possible, taking precautions to prevent getting COVID-19 when interacting with others, having at least a 30-day supply of medicines, and talking to their health care provider about how to stay healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The MMWR is available online @ https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6925a1.htm?s_cid=mm6925a1_w