Mikhail E. Shchegolkov, chief physician of the Lipetsk Regional Perinatal Center, shared his opinion about the new strain of coronavirus infection "Omicron" and about vaccination of pregnant women
In the near future, an increase in the incidence of coronavirus infection is expected in the Lipetsk region due to the new strain of Omicron. Since this strain is more contagious, the incidence, according to the forecasts of epidemiologists, will exceed the previous record values by several times.
From the experience of previous waves of the rise in the incidence of COVID-19, we know that in pregnant women this disease is more severe than in non-pregnant women, requires hospitalization, causes a large number of complications. In September-November 2021, there were many cases in the region that required resuscitation, the involvement of the most high-tech methods of treatment, as well as specialists from Federal centers. And despite all this, unfortunately, we have received many unfavorable outcomes for both mothers and their newborns.
In anticipation of a new wave, I, of course, advise all future moms of the Lipetsk region to follow all the necessary personal anti-epidemic measures: wear masks, keep a social distance, wash their hands, use antiseptics. But, the main thing is to be vaccinated!
To date, there is no evidence of a negative impact of vaccination on the course of pregnancy and perinatal outcomes. But there is evidence of good protection against infection. At the time of 14.01.22, 1,436 pregnant women were vaccinated in the Lipetsk region (35.6% of those registered in state women's consultations). Most had no complications, some had a slight rise in body temperature in the evening on the day of vaccination.
Pregnancy after vaccination proceeded as usual. Yes, in rare cases, vaccination does not completely protect against infection. But, even if a person still becomes infected after vaccination, then in such cases COVID-19 proceeds much easier, without complications and without the need for hospitalization. Remember: all cases with unfavorable outcomes in the previous waves were only in unvaccinated pregnant women!
