Smallpox during pregnancy and maternal outcomes

Abstract

A historical study evaluated maternal outcomes in pregnancy complicated by smallpox. The overall case fatality was estimated to be 34.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 31.4-37.1), and the proportion of miscarriage or premature birth was estimated to be 39.9% (95% CI 36.5-43.2). Vaccination before pregnancy reduced the risk for death.