Categories: Uncategorized

ICMR study finds pregnant, postpartum women more severely affected during COVID second wave

Pregnant and postpartum women were more severely affected during the second wave of COVID-19 as compared to the first with symptomatic cases and the case fatality rate being significantly higher among this category this year, according to a study by ICMR.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said cases related to pregnant and postpartum women during the first wave (April 1, 2020 – January 31, 2021) and during the second wave (February 1 to May 14, 2021) of the pandemic in India were compared.

“Symptomatic cases were significantly higher at 28.7 per cent in the second wave (111/387), compared to the first wave (162/1143) when the proportion was 14.2 per cent,” ICMR said.

“The case fatality rate (CFR) among pregnant women and postpartum women was 5.7 per cent (22/387) during the second wave, which was significantly higher compared to the scenario encounter in the first wave with CFR 0.7 per cent (8/1143),” it said.

The total number of maternal deaths during both the waves of the pandemic was two per cent (30/1530), of which the majority (28/30) were due to COVID-19 pneumonia and respiratory failure.

“The study underlines the importance of vaccination of pregnant and lactating women against COVID-19,” the ICMR said.

The COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for all lactating women in India.

However, the government has still not allowed vaccinating pregnant women citing a lack of clinical trial data and the matter is under discussion by the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI).

WHO has recommended vaccinating pregnant women if they face a high risk of exposure to COVID and if they have co-morbid conditions.

Medically Speaking Team

Recent Posts

ANTIBIOTIC MISUSE IN INDIA: HOW IT’S MAKING INFECTION TREATMENT MORE CHALLENGING

Antibiotic use has surged globally, leading to a rise in antibiotic resistance, especially concerning in…

9 hours ago

CHILD DIES FROM CHOKING ON CANDY: HOW TO SAFEGUARD AGAINST CHOKING HAZARDS IN YOUNG CHILDREN

Choking is a leading cause of injury and death in young children, particularly those under…

11 hours ago

Video: How Hard Water Leads to Hair Fall and Expert Tips to Combat It

Hard Water (Khara Pani) Leading To Hair Fall Hard water is rich in minerals and…

12 hours ago

“How High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy Is Rising: What Every Expectant Mother Should Know”

Discover how the rise in high blood pressure during pregnancy is impacting maternal and fetal…

12 hours ago

“Revitalize Your Weight Loss Journey: 6 Powerful Homemade Drinks to Naturally Melt Away Fat!”

"Discover the transformative power of six delicious homemade drinks that can help you naturally melt…

13 hours ago

“Revitalize Your Weight Loss Journey: 8 Powerful Fat-Flushing Drinks to Boost Your Results!”

"Transform your weight loss routine with these eight delicious fat-flushing drinks that not only hydrate…

13 hours ago