Covid-19 Cases Among Pregnant Women, New Mothers Doubled in Second Wave, Finds ICMR Study

A comparative study of two Covid-19 waves in India showed that the symptomatic cases of Covid-19 were significantly higher at 28.7 percent among pregnant and post-partum women during the second wave against 14.2 percent in the first wave. The fatality rate among pregnant women was higher at 5.7 percent in the second wave, as compared to 0.7 percent in the first wave, the study by ICMR revealed.

According to a report by Times of India, the study emphasized on the importance of vaccination among pregnant and lactating women. However, the government hasn’t yet allowed vaccination of such women due to a lack of data of clinical trials. Overall, 2% maternal deaths were estimated during both waves.

Meanwhile, a report last week had made a strong case for their vaccination on a priority basis.

For Covid not to further aggravate the already heavy burden of maternal and under-five mortality, there is a strong case for the inclusion of pregnant women as a high priority group for vaccination, the report prepared by a group of doctors led by Yamini Sarwal of Delhi-based Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital said.