Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 March 2021
993. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health if the four stillbirths in Ireland suspected to be linked to Covid placentitis were recorded as Covid-19 related deaths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13515/21]
View answerThe Department of Health has been informed of four reports of stillbirth potentially associated with a complication of COVID-19 known as Covid placentitis.
Two of the four stillbirths associated with COVID-19 have been notified to HPSC on CIDR as COVID-19 deaths and are included in the COVID-19 deaths total. The notification of the remaining two cases as COVID-19 deaths is under review/investigation.
These reports should be interpreted with caution as coroners have not yet concluded their findings. While COVID placentitis is a recognised pathological entity, this is an evolving area of practice and the pathophysiology of this condition is not fully understood.
International experience generally suggests there has been no increase in stillbirths since the pandemic began.
The HSE's National Women and Infants Programme is aware of and is monitoring the situation and has issued a related notice to obstetric departments.
