Pregnant women not at increased risk of virus

Healthy pregnant women do not have an increased risk of severe COVID-19, a study suggests.

At the beginning of the pandemic, pregnant women in Britain were included in the list of those deemed to be at moderate risk of the disease.

Although there was no evidence that pregnant women were more likely to get seriously ill, they were added to the list of those deemed to be moderately clinically vulnerable as a precaution.

But a new observational study has concluded that healthypregnant womenare at no higher risk of severe disease than women who are not pregnant. However, like the general population, pregnant women who have some pre-existing conditions are at an increased risk of more severe COVID-19.

Those who have lung disease or diabetes are among those highlighted as being at increased risk, according to the study.

The survey by Kings College London drew on data from people in Britain and Sweden participating in the covid Symptom Study app and responses to the US-based Facebook COVID-19 Symptom Survey.

Dr Erika Molteni, from King's College London, said: "Although our findings should b e rea s su r i n g fo r h ea l thy women who are pregnant, it highlights the importance of protecting those with underlying health conditions and keeping a close eye on them during their pregnancy, particularly if they start showing symptoms of COVID-19.

"It's vital that we all keep taking steps to protect the health of everyone in our communities by sticking to social distancing guidelines, wearing face coverings in public and following good hand hygiene practices."