Study Finds Pregnant Women Experience Longer Duration of Long COVID Symptoms

New Delhi: About one in 10 women who contract COVID-19 during pregnancy are likely to suffer from long-term COVID symptoms like fatigue, gastrointestinal issues, and feeling drained in routine life, according to a recent study.

COVID-19 acquired during pregnancy is known to be more dangerous, as it can lead to stillbirths and preterm births. The new study, published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynaecology, sheds light on the extended impact of the virus on pregnant women.

The study included 1,500 participants who had contracted COVID-19 during pregnancy and reported their symptoms after six months. Among these, 9.3 percent reported experiencing long-term symptoms, such as fatigue, gastrointestinal issues, and feeling exhausted by routine activities.

"This is an important study because pregnancy and post-partum are the most vulnerable times for women. This study provides insights into the linkage between COVID-19 and pregnancy," said Dr. David Goff, division director for the Division of Cardiovascular Sciences at the NIH's National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, US.

The researchers highlighted the need for obstetricians to be vigilant, as the symptoms of long-term COVID can overlap with those of pregnancy itself. This overlap can make it challenging to differentiate between the two, leading to potential underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis of long COVID in pregnant women.

To ensure that the reported long COVID symptoms were not simply symptoms of pregnancy, a secondary study was conducted on participants who reported symptoms more than 12 weeks after giving birth. The results confirmed the findings, demonstrating that these symptoms persisted well into the post-partum period and were not just related to pregnancy.

Given the high prevalence of long COVID in pregnant populations, the researchers urged health practitioners to be attentive to its symptoms. Early recognition and management are crucial to providing appropriate care and support for affected women.

The study's findings emphasize the importance of ongoing monitoring and support for pregnant women who have had COVID-19. It also underscores the need for further research to understand the long-term impacts of COVID-19 on maternal health and to develop strategies for mitigating these effects.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, this study highlights a critical aspect of maternal health that requires attention and action from healthcare providers and policymakers to ensure the well-being of pregnant women and their babies.