Impact of COVID-19 infection during pregnancy on maternal and fetal outcomes

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study is to assess the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection during pregnancy on maternal and fetal outcome in relation to gestational age. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted between May 2020 and July 2021. Sixty-five women infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and hospitalized at a quarantine hospital were included. Thirty-four women received prenatal care at the hospital until delivery, while 31 dropped out from the study due to COVID-19 recovery and discharge before delivery. Results: COVID-19 was found in 83% of the pregnant women after 20 weeks of pregnancy. The most common symptoms were cough and fever. Medical complications included severe pneumonia and thrombosis. The maternal mortality rate was 9.2%. Premature rupture of membranes and severe hypertension during labor affected nearly 9% of the pregnant women who completed prenatal care until delivery at the hospital. Preterm labor occurred at a rate of 38.2%. There were seven (20.8%) stillbirths and two cases of infant mortality. Conclusion: Hospitalized pregnant women who have coronavirus infection, lymphopenia, and a high C-reactive protein level were at a higher risk of developing severe illness, which can lead to maternal and neonatal complications.