Stillbirths can be associated with post-Christmas surge in Covid cases
Pregnant women should continue to observe the public health guidance of minimising contacts.
There had been 60,000 babies delivered in Ireland in the past year and six stillbirths as a result of Covid placentitis. Picture: iStock
Mon, 12 Apr, 2021 - 11:28
Vivienne Clarke
The six stillbirths in Ireland as a result of Covid-19 placentitis can be associated with the surge in cases after Christmas, according to Professor Peter McKenna, director of the HSE’s national women and infants programme.
As the number of cases continues to reduce, it could be expected that there will be fewer of these cases too, he said.
Obstetricians have been told to monitor pregnant women who have had Covid-19.
It s emerged that four women may have had stillbirths as a result of a condition linked to the virus.
Two of the women are based in the east of the country and two are based in the south.
Health officials are advising that the findings are preliminary, as the stillbirths have not yet been examined at an inquest.
Head of the HSE Women and Infant s health programme, Professor Peter McKenna, says an alert has been sent out to all maternity hospitals: