Pregnant Moms & Newborns Got an Extra Dose of Covid Risk
In a recent study by Oxford University scientists, maths says pregnant women who catch the coronavirus and their fresh‑born babies are facing a tougher time than we thought.
What the Numbers Looked Like
- Newborns: Three times more likely to hit serious complications from Covid. Imagine a 3‑times risk factor—it’s like shuffling a deck and only two cards coming up “bad.”
- Mum‑ma Fembs: Over 50 % higher chance of problems such as too‑early premature rush, dangerous high blood pressure (think organ alarm), ICU stays, and in worst cases, death.
- These findings come from 2,100-plus pregnancies spanning 18 countries, pairing each Covid‑infected mum with two non‑infected mums delivering at the same hospital.
Insights from the Study
Lead researcher Dr. Aris Papageorghiou, a fetal medicine pro at Oxford, summed it up: “Pregnant women with Covid were more than half as likely to run into complications—they’re literally on a double‑dose worry list.”
Surprise fact: Babies born via C‑section might grab the virus more easily. If you’re going for a surgical birth, you may need to keep your windows closed.
Good News for Nursing
Good news bites out of the bad. Breast‑feeding doesn’t give babies a higher chance of catching Covid from their moms. So, keep feeding! Mother‑to‑baby milk is still the best way to start their life.
Bottom Line
Pregnant folks catching Covid should expect a boost in risk—not just for themselves but for their baby. Stay vigilant, keep medical guidelines on your radar, and if you’re planning a C‑section, remember this nuance. And when your little one drinks that first milk, you’ve got the green light!
