While there is still more to learn about how vulnerable pregnant women are to the coronavirus (COVID-19), there appears to be good news. The Los Angeles Times recently reported that the current data we have so far is encouraging for women who may be worried about carrying to term for health reasons. The Times reports:
There have been 29 live births among those women, and one stillbirth. Twenty-four infants were tested at birth, including one set of twins, and none tested positive for the virus. More than 82% of the 134 women who tested positive were symptomatic.
“The results indicate that it is unlikely for a pregnant mother to pass the virus to her baby during pregnancy, a belief that has been expressed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A newborn, however, may be susceptible to person-to-person spread,” the Times added.
While the outlet acknowledged that a few babies have tested positive for the virus shortly after birth, they noted that the CDC has reported it’s not currently known if the infants contracted COVID-19 before or after they had been delivered. The virus has also not been detected in amniotic fluid, breast milk, or umbilical cord blood.
From what the CDC has gathered so far, it does not seem pregnant women are at a higher risk for the virus than other adults. Various independent studies have also failed to find concrete evidence of in utero vertical transmission of COVID-19 during pregnancy. A comprehensive review last month of 217 neonates born to mothers with COVID-19 found 95% of the newborns tested negative for the virus or did not need to be tested because their postnatal course was stable.
READ: Pregnant and worried about coronavirus? Here’s what you need to know.
The data seems to support favorable outcomes for infants born to mothers who tested positive for COVID-19. In one study, it was found that 97% of newborns did not need respiratory support, and only a small subset of babies did. The complications that have been reported in infants born to mothers who had the virus appear to be related to preterm birth or adverse uterine environments due to critical maternal disease.
This has not stopped the abortion industry from attempting to exploit pregnant women’s fears about their health during the coronavirus pandemic. Thankfully, various pro-life organizations have adapted their services to meet women’s needs during this time.
On top of material resources and other supportive care, Heartbeat International is continuing to serve pregnant women, ensuring they have access to vital resources at this time.
With more than 1,100 affiliates throughout the country, CareNet has provided clients with more than $62 million in free services. COVID-19 has not hindered their outreach, as they’re continuing to serve mothers and their babies through drive-up diaper distributions and virtual counseling.
Throughout these uncertain times, the pro-life movement is expanding its efforts to fill mothers with hope.
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