Researchers on Thursday called on pregnant women who are infected with Covid to seek immediate treatment, saying the virus can lead to serious pregnancy complications.

The call comes after the team from the University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and the Chinese University (CUHK) found that the virus can alter gene regulation in the placenta, which may lead to abnormal blood vessel formation and affect the health of the foetus.

Danny Leung, an associate professor with HKUST’s Division of Life Science, said the problem can lead to complications like preterm or low-birthweight infants.

Liona Poon, the chairperson of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at CUHK, urged those who are pregnant or preparing for pregnancy to get vaccinated and inform healthcare providers if they are infected.

“Following infections, we need to provide additional pregnancy care with frequent monitoring through ultrasound so we can monitor foetal growth. And also, we definitely need to do what we call a CTG, cardiotocograph, to assess foetal well-being, look at the heart rate variability,” Poon said.