COVID-19 infection and adverse pregnancy outcomes: a retrospective study

Lorraine Chan; Kwok-yin Leung

doi:10.12809/hkjgom.24.1.359

Authors

Lorraine Chan Queen Elizabeth Hospital, HK
Kwok-yin Leung

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12809/hkjgom.24.1.359

Keywords:

COVID-19, Pregnancy outcome, Premature birth

Abstract

Objective: To determine whether COVID-19 infection in pregnancy is associated with adverse obstetric and perinatal outcomes.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study in pregnant women who delivered in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital between 1 February 2022 and 30 April 2022. Outcome measures included adverse maternal outcomes (maternal intensive care unit [ICU] admission), obstetric outcomes (abnormal cardiotocography, mode of delivery, postpartum haemorrhage), and adverse perinatal outcomes (preterm delivery, low Apgar score, low birth weight, neonatal ICU admission, neonatal death). The association between maternal COVID-19 infection status and preterm delivery was evaluated.

Results: Among 481 pregnant women, 136 were infected with or recovered from COVID-19 during pregnancy and 345 were not. COVID-19 infection during pregnancy resulted in higher rates of preterm delivery (adjusted odds ratio=2.30), maternal ICU admission, and neonatal ICU admission.

Conclusion: COVID-19 infection during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes.

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