Pregnant women were 14% to 30% less likely to develop long COVID compared to non-pregnant women.
Altered immune and inflammatory responses during pregnancy might explain this protection.
Black women, women 35 or older, and women with obesity still face a higher risk of long COVID during pregnancy, though lower than non-pregnant women.
Why this matters:: Understanding these differences can help tailor healthcare and support for pregnant women during and after COVID-19 infection.
A recent study comparing pregnant women infected with COVID-19 to non-pregnant women found that the pregnant group was 14% to 30% less likely to develop long COVID. Researchers analyzed data from approximately 72,000 pregnant women and 208,000 non-pregnant women who contracted COVID-19 between March 2020 and June 2023.
The study, published in *Nature Communications*, suggests that altered immune and inflammatory responses during pregnancy may offer some protection against long COVID. However, certain subgroups of pregnant women, including Black women, those 35 or older, and women with obesity, still face an elevated risk, albeit lower than their non-pregnant counterparts.
Researchers are now exploring potential drug interventions to further protect pregnant women from long COVID. This study highlights the importance of understanding the interplay between pregnancy, immunity, and COVID-19 to develop targeted prevention and treatment strategies.
Q: What is long COVID?
Long COVID refers to a range of symptoms that can persist for weeks or months after the initial COVID-19 infection.
Q: Who is most affected by long COVID during pregnancy?
Black women, women 35 or older, and women with obesity are at greater risk, although their risk is still lower than for similar women who aren’t pregnant.
Pregnancy may reduce the risk of developing long COVID.
Immune system changes during pregnancy could be the reason.
High-risk groups still need to take precautions.
Pregnant women should consult their doctor about COVID-19 and long COVID risks.
Do you think these findings will impact future research on long COVID? Share your thoughts below! Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!
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