Are COVID-19 mitigation measures reducing preterm birth rate in China?

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Preterm birth is a major global contributor to child morbidity and mortality.
• The COVID-19 pandemic prompted unprecedented public health interventions worldwide.
• Understanding the impact of these measures on perinatal outcomes is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effect of China's national COVID-19 mitigation measures on preterm birth incidence.
• To analyze preterm birth rates in relation to the timing and removal of public health restrictions.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of singleton deliveries at Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital.
• Logistic regression was employed to evaluate the association between mitigation measures and preterm birth rates.
• Data spanned from January 2014 to December 2020, encompassing over 164,000 deliveries.

Main Results:

• A significant reduction in preterm birth rates was observed during the 2- to 5-month periods following the implementation of COVID-19 mitigation measures.
• Reductions were most pronounced in moderate-to-late preterm births (32-36 weeks).
• Preterm birth rates returned to baseline levels after restrictions were lifted, with no significant change in stillbirth rates.

Conclusions:

• National COVID-19 mitigation measures in China were associated with substantial decreases in preterm birth rates.
• The observed effect on preterm birth was temporary and linked to the duration of restrictions.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the specific mechanisms driving these findings.