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

Zheng Bian1, Xiaoxian Qu1, Hao Ying1

  • 1Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.

BMJ Global Health
|August 13, 2021
PubMed

Insights

COVID-19 mitigation measures in China significantly reduced preterm birth rates, particularly moderate-to-late preterm births. These reductions were temporary, disappearing as restrictions eased.

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.
Abstract

Keywords:
COVID-19obstetrics

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