More COVID-positive pregnant women in ICU, AHS urges pregnant people get vaccinated
Posted Oct 1, 2021 12:39 pm.
Last Updated Oct 1, 2021 12:42 pm.
EDMONTON – There have been 14 pregnant women who have been admitted to Alberta ICUs due to COVID-19 between July and September and all of them were unvaccinated.
From July 15, 2021 to September 28, 2021, 14 pregnant individuals have been admitted to ICU due to COVID-19 in Alberta. All have been unvaccinated. (2/4)
— Alberta Health Services (@AHS_media) October 1, 2021
That has Alberta Health Services urging those who are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or who have recently given birth, to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
In a series of tweets, AHS says pregnant women that are COVID-positive are at a higher risk of being admitted to hospital and developing respiratory complications that require intensive care.
If you have questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider or call Health Link at 811 to speak with a registered nurse. Accurate & reliable information is available on https://t.co/c9gHLJ01U6 and on https://t.co/EhpSvtop3q (4/4)
— Alberta Health Services (@AHS_media) October 1, 2021
The health authority reminds everyone that vaccines are safe and effective and the best way to protect you and your baby from COVID-19.
“Before COVID – outside of hemorrhage — someone being admitted to the ICU in pregnancy was very unusual,” Dr. Stephanie Cooper told CityNews last month.
READ MORE: Doctors call on pregnant people to get vaccinated
She says treating COVID in a pregnant person is incredibly complex.
“We also have to think that there’s a baby there. So, we have to think ‘What are these medications that the baby will get? How does a position need to help a mom breathe better, how will that potentially affect a baby?’”
Data out of the University of B.C. shows not only an increase in risk for adverse outcomes for COVID during pregnancy – it shows an increased frequency of pre-term births.
“Depending on how early that is, that can mean significant long term health consequences for a baby,” said Cooper.
-with files from Tara Overholt
