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Exploring modifiable risk-factors for premature birth in the context of COVID-19 mitigation measures: A discussion
Janet Green1, Julia Petty2, Lisa Whiting2
1School of Nursing, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Australia.
Insights
COVID-19 restrictions impacted neonatal care, potentially reducing premature birth admissions. This paper explores modifiable risk factors for preterm birth and offers recommendations for expectant mothers.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Public health
- Obstetrics
Background:
- COVID-19 pandemic restrictions limited parental access to neonatal units, impacting bonding.
- A notable decrease in premature birth admissions to neonatal intensive care units was observed during the pandemic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the reasons behind the reduction in premature birth admissions during COVID-19.
- To examine the influence of modifiable risk factors for preterm birth in the context of pandemic restrictions.
- To provide recommendations for expectant mothers regarding education, advice, and care.
Main Methods:
- Discussion paper analyzing existing literature and potential impacts of COVID-19 restrictions.
- Contextualization of premature birth effects and pandemic impacts on neonatal and parental outcomes.
- Focus on modifiable risk factors for preterm birth.
Main Results:
- Parental challenges in neonatal units due to restrictions (lockdowns, PPE).
- Potential negative short-term impact on parent-infant proximity and bonding.
- Observed reduction in neonatal intensive care unit admissions for premature births.
Conclusions:
- The reduction in premature births warrants further investigation into modifiable risk factors.
- Recommendations are proposed for enhanced prenatal education and care for expectant mothers.
- Understanding these factors can inform future public health strategies and neonatal care practices.
Abstract:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, parents with sick or premature babies have faced challenges following admission to a neonatal unit due to the imposed lock-down restrictions on social contact, hospital visitation and the wearing of personal protective equipment. The negative short-term impact on neonatal care in relation to the prevention of close proximity, contact and bonding between parents and babies is potentially significant. However, an interesting finding has been reported of a reduction in premature birth admissions to the neonatal intensive care unit during the pandemic, raising important questions. Why was this? Was it related to the effect of the modifiable risk-factors for premature birth? This discussion paper focuses on an exploration of these factors in the light of the potential impact of COVID-19 restrictions on neonatal care. After contextualising both the effect of premature birth and the pandemic on neonatal and parental short-term outcomes, the discussion turns to the modifiable risk-factors for premature birth and makes recommendations relevant to the education, advice and care given to expectant mothers.
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