Study: Pregnant women with COVID-19 may need close monitoring

A small study examining 16 pregnant women with COVID-19 showed evidence of injury to their placentas. All but four or 75% of the placentas had vascular malperfusion, which can impair blood flow from the mother to the fetus. Six of the women or 38% had blood clots in their placentas. Vascular malperfusion was present in only 55% of a control group, and placental blood clots were found in only 9% of the control group. Researchers concluded pregnant women may warrant increased surveillance because of the risks associated with restricted blood flow. All but one of the women in the study delivered healthy babies, none of whom tested positive for COVID-19. (American Journal of Clinical Pathology article, 5/22/20)