Authors
Gabriella Newes-Adeyi, Tyler Morrill, Abt Global; Lawrence Reichle, (formerly Abt Global); Sarita Mohanty, Michael Daugherty, Kate Woodworth, Kristina Wielgosz, Romeo Galang, Pete Maniatis, Vera Semenova, Fatimah S. Dawood, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); Ashley N. Battarbee, Alan T. Tita, UAB School of Medicine; Michael Varner, The University of Utah Health Sciences Center; Melissa S. Stockwell, Mirella Mourad, Raul A. Silverio Francisco, Columbia University Medical Center
How has SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) affected birth outcomes for pregnant persons, and is there a correlation between SARS-CoV-2 infections and preterm live birth? More than three years after the start of the pandemic, researchers are still looking for – and finding – answers. While many studies state that most SARS-CoV-2 infections during pregnancy are mild, others have reported associations between prenatal COVID-19 and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Researchers aim to better inform and advise pregnant persons on the risks of prenatal SARS-CoV-2 infections on newborns, especially as different variants continue to emerge.
During August 2020–October 2021 the Epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in Pregnancy and Infancy (ESPI) study enrolled a cohort of pregnant women at less than 28 weeks gestation at three U.S. medical centers in Salt Lake City, UT; New York City, NY; and Birmingham, AL. Participants were followed with systematic surveillance until the end of their pregnancies, self-collecting and returning weekly nasal swab specimens. Additional swab specimens were collected when the particpants experienced any onset of COVID-like symptoms: fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc. Those enrolled also provided blood samples to test for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies as evidence of infection.
Among 954 participants with a live birth, 185 (19%) had evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection during their pregnancy and 123 (13%) had preterm births. Overall, there was no significant association between preterm birth and SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy. While the infections studied in this analysis were predominantly deemed mild and/or asymptomatic, COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant persons remains important to prevent severe infections that may be associated with additional complications.
Take a deeper dive into this publication to learn more!
Read More
COVID-19 in North America
Healthy Military Families Undergird National Readiness
The only DoW-wide longitudinal study on U.S. military family health has generated vital evidence to inform programs, policies, and support services critical to family stability and force readiness.
Closing the Gap: Surveying LA Renters to Improve Housing Access
Abt helped HACLA collect and analyze current Los Angeles rental data, showing rents were about 12% higher than federal estimates and providing evidence to support voucher subsidy levels that better reflect local housing costs and improve access to stable housing.
Regulating Harmful Contaminants for Healthier Communities
Abt supported the EPA in developing and implementing data-driven regulations for hazardous chemicals—particularly carbon tetrachloride—helping turn scientific evidence into enforceable protections that reduce risks to workers, nearby communities, and the environment.
From Exposure to Protection: Securing Safe Drinking Water
Abt helped the EPA develop data-driven regulations, treatment tools, and exposure models that strengthen protections against contaminants such as PFAS and lead, improving drinking water safety for millions of Americans.