Latest Study on The Effects of COVID-19 and Pregnancy

Seven months into the COVID-19 pandemic, we have learned just how differently COVID-19 symptoms can manifest in different people.

UCSF and UCLA led a national study of 594 pregnant women who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. In this study—the largest study to date—of COVID-19 among non-hospitalized pregnant women, researchers analyzed the course of the illness and outcomes of participants.

Researchers found that symptoms for pregnant women with COVID-19 can be prolonged and, for 25% of the women who participated in the study, last two months or longer. The most common early symptoms were cough, sore throat, body aches, and fever.

A recent article from UCSF quotes senior author of the study Vanessa L. Jacoby, MD, MAS, vice chair of research in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at UCSF:

“We found that pregnant people with COVID-19 can expect a prolonged time with symptoms. COVID-19 symptoms during pregnancy can last a long time, and have a significant impact on health and well-being.”

The researchers found that symptoms related to the virus were complicated by overlapping symptoms of pregnancy such as nausea, fatigue, and congestion, though the most common first symptoms were cough (20%), sore throat (16%), body aches (12%), and fever (12%).

Studies looking at how COVID-19 can impact different people serve as an important reminder to exercise caution whether or not we feel that the illness will impact us directly.

Until next time, stay vigilant, and let's do everything we can to stop the spread.