After the deaths of four newborns, the Irish Institute of Obstetricians and Gynecologists launched an investigation. The mothers were infected with the coronavirus.
After a string of deaths, the Irish Institute of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has launched an investigation. These four stillborn babies would be a "small number of stillbirths (death of the baby after 20 weeks gestation) potentially associated with a disease called Covid Placentitis" who "are the subject of a scientific investigation ", says Dr. Cliona Murphy, President of the Institute.
These deaths could be linked to an infection of the placenta from the coronavirus, according to medical examiners, since the pregnant women had tested positive for covid-19.
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A hypothesis that remains to be confirmed
However, it is still too early to say, given the lack of data. "Further research needs to be done before the results can be confirmed", indicates the deputy chief medical officer. Indeed, certain crucial information such as the age of these patients, their location or the severity of the infection is not available.
The institute still recommends that you be monitored regularly by your doctor, in the weeks following the infection. “The vast majority of pregnant women who have had Covid have had mild symptoms and have not had any side effects. Large-scale surveillance data in the UK did not show a higher incidence of stillbirth ", reassures Dr. Murphy. In addition, the vaccination of women during pregnancy is strongly recommended by several American studies.
According to the latest official figures, Ireland has recorded 4,396 deaths from the coronavirus pandemic. The country is in a critical situation with a third lockdown and with the highest rate of contamination per capita in the world at the beginning of January 2021.