Covid-19 confirmed as 'significant factor' in four stillbirths

Dr Cliona Murphy, chair of the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said that it is the view of pathologists that Covid-19 was the significant factor that resulted in the four stillbirths linked to Covid placentitis in Ireland. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Covid-19 has been confirmed as a "significant factor" in four stillbirths, a Nphet briefing heard tonight.

The four stillbirths, first reported on Thursday, are linked to a rare inflammation of the placenta — Covid placentitis. One case of placentitis was previously reported in Cork, but that baby survived. Of 15 such cases of Covid placentitis reported globally, five have occurred in Ireland.