How Did the COVID-19 Pandemic Affect Maternal and Neonatal Health?

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the proportional growth of the fetus, maternal health, and neonatal outcomes.

Study Design: The study group (Group 1) included pregnant women with a history of COVID-19. Pregnant women who were hospitalized during the same period without COVID-19 were the control group (Group 2). Maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared between the groups.

Results: A total of 230 pregnant women and their infants were assessed. Group 1 ( = 74) had significantly higher rates of diabetes mellitus and hypertension than Group 2 ( = 156;  = 0.015 and 0.014, respectively). Premature birth and cesarean section rates were also significantly higher in Group 1 than in Group 2 ( = 0.001 and 0.040, respectively). While the rate of iatrogenic preterm birth was significantly higher in Group 1, the rate of spontaneous preterm birth was significantly higher in Group 2 ( = 0.049). Infants born to COVID-19-positive mothers had lower median gestational age, birth weight, and Apgar scores ( < 0.01). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the results of cord blood gas analysis ( > 0.05). The rate of admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and need for mechanical ventilation was significantly higher in infants of COVID-19-positive mothers ( < 0.05 for both). The length of stay in the NICU was also significantly longer for the infants of COVID-19-positive mothers ( < 0.05). Birth weights decreased due to increased cases of iatrogenic preterm births ( < 0.05). However, ponderal indices (PIs) of newborns of pregnant COVID-19 mothers did not differ at birth ( > 0.05).

Conclusion: COVID-19 is associated with low Apgar scores, increased risk of premature birth complications, and maternal comorbidities, with no effect on the PI and proportionate growth of the infant at birth.

Key Points: · No difference in ponderal indices.. · No difference in postnatal cardiovascular adaptation.. · COVID-19 is frequent in pregnant women with comorbidities like diabetes mellitus and hypertension..