U.S. study reveals: COVID-19 causes "extremely rare" mother-to-child transmission and "4 situations" may increase infant positivity rate
Recently, a pregnant woman in Taichung was unfortunately diagnosed with COVID-19. After four hours in the negative pressure isolation ward, she finally gave birth successfully through caesarean section, and both mother and baby were safe. If the baby boy’s PCR test is negative three times, he can be determined to be a healthy baby without infection. Although there is good news from the operating room, many expectant mothers are still worried about the epidemic in Taiwan and are deeply afraid that their fetuses in the belly may also be infected with the new coronavirus.
A large-scale study published in the authoritative journal “British Medical Journal” (BMJ) confirmed that COVID-19 does cause “mother-to-child transmission”, but overall it is very rare. Research also shows that even if the chance is slim, pregnant women should still take appropriate measures to reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission.
The possibility of “mother-to-child transmission” does exist! Study: “4 situations” may increase the rate of positive babies
A research team led by the University of Birmingham and the World Health Organization (WHO) conducted data analysis on more than 14,000 pregnant women diagnosed with COVID-19 around the world. The research team stated that among pregnant women infected with COVID-19, virus stocks were detected in the maternal blood, placenta, amniotic fluid and breast milk, indicating that the possibility of mother-to-child transmission does exist.
The report results show that nearly 800 babies among the subjects showed positive PCR reactions. After the study, 749 babies survived (about 93.6%), 8 pregnant women suffered early miscarriages (about 1%), and 20 pregnant women stillborn (2.5%). ) and 23 infant deaths (2.8%).
Overall, the chance of mother-to-child transmission of COVID-19 is less than 2%. The study pointed out that the possible related factors for the baby to be diagnosed with a positive reaction are: the pregnant woman is seriously ill, the pregnant woman has entered the intensive care unit before giving birth, the pregnant woman dies, and the new coronavirus is detected in the pregnant woman after giving birth.
The research team stated that although the risk of confirmed pregnant women transmitting the virus through natural birth (vaginal delivery), skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding is extremely low, intensive testing and diagnosis are still needed to confirm whether the baby is carrier. The University of Birmingham also recommends that pregnant women should be vaccinated as soon as possible to prevent the mother from getting infected, the risk of severe illness, and to reduce the possibility of the baby being diagnosed.
Can the COVID-19 vaccine also protect the fetus? Taiwan Centers for Disease Control reveals “4 key points” for vaccination of pregnant women
Considering that pregnant women are a group that is prone to serious complications or death after being infected with COVID-19, the Taiwan Ministry of Health and Welfare, Centers for Disease Control listed “4 major points” on the official website to protect the health of pregnant women and fetuses:
Vaccination regardless of pregnancy period: Pregnant women can receive vaccines or vaccine boosters at any stage of pregnancy. However, they still need to consider their personal pregnancy conditions and undergo a risk-benefit assessment before choosing the appropriate vaccine for vaccination.
Prioritize mRNA vaccines: There is currently no clear evidence that vaccines will increase the risk of fetal congenital malformations, miscarriages, stillbirths, premature births, etc. However, it is recommended to give priority to mRNA vaccines because they are less likely to increase blood clots.
Pay attention to side effects: Pregnant women may still have typical side effects such as pain at the injection site, fever, muscle aches, and joint pain after vaccination. However, if vaginal bleeding, suspected water rupture, regular uterine contractions, lower abdominal pain, or conscious decrease in fetal movement occur, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible. Go to the hospital for a checkup.
Breastfeeding women can also be vaccinated: Breastfeeding women can be vaccinated or given a booster dose, and they can continue to breastfeed after vaccination. Antibodies produced by mothers after vaccination will appear in breast milk and may have a protective effect on newborns.
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