COVID-19 Infection History Linked to Increased Risk of Early Pregnancy Loss

Strategic Insights -

A recent study by researchers from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health has found that COVID-19 infection history, both before and during pregnancy, is associated with an increased risk of early pregnancy loss. The study, published in BMC Medicine, analyzed data from 26,783 pregnancy episodes and found that history of COVID-19 before pregnancy and in the first trimester were both linked to an increased risk of miscarriage. The researchers also emphasized the importance of COVID-19 vaccination and post-COVID management for pregnant people and those planning a pregnancy.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that history of COVID-19 before pregnancy was associated with a 2.48-fold increased risk of miscarriage.
  • COVID-19 infection during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester, was also linked to a 2.31-fold increased risk of miscarriage.
  • The study analyzed data from 26,783 pregnancy episodes and found that the overall risk of miscarriage was 6.3%.
  • COVID-19 vaccination and post-COVID management are recommended for pregnant people and those planning a pregnancy.
  • The researchers highlighted the importance of understanding the relationship between COVID-19 and pregnancy outcomes.

Statistics:

  • 6.3% of pregnancy episodes with a miscarriage, livebirth, or delivery outcome were associated with miscarriage.
  • 2.48 (95% CI: 2.21-2.78) was the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for history of COVID-19 before pregnancy associated with miscarriage.
  • 2.31 (95% CI: 1.96-2.72) was the aOR for COVID-19 in the first trimester associated with miscarriage.
  • 26,783 was the number of pregnancy episodes analyzed in the study.

Sources:

  • COVID-19 infection history as a risk factor for early pregnancy loss: results from the electronic health record-based Southeast Texas COVID and Pregnancy Cohort Study. BMC Medicine, 2025,23(1):1-14. (BMC Medicine - http://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com)
  • University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health
  • NewsRx. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health Researchers Report Research in COVID-19 (COVID-19 infection history as a risk factor for early pregnancy loss: results from the electronic health record-based ...). Telemedicine Week. May 27, 2025; p 350.