Exploring Pregnancy Outcomes Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic poses risks to all populations, including pregnant women.
• Understanding SARS-CoV-2 effects on pregnancy is crucial for maternal and infant health.
• New variants of SARS-CoV-2 continue to present potential threats.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on obstetrical outcomes.
• To identify specific risks associated with COVID-19 in pregnant women and their newborns.

Main Methods:

• A single-center prospective cohort study.
• Inclusion of 1039 pregnant women between August 2020 and January 2021.
• Multivariate regression analysis of patient characteristics and obstetrical outcomes.

Main Results:

• COVID-19 positive pregnancies showed a 2-fold increased risk of premature rupture of membranes.
• A 1.5-fold higher risk of preterm birth with emergency C-sections and lower APGAR scores was observed.
• Newborns of mothers with COVID-19 infection had significantly lower APGAR scores and higher rates of prematurity.

Conclusions:

• Third-trimester SARS-CoV-2 infection is a significant risk factor for adverse obstetrical outcomes.
• Increased risks include preterm birth, emergency cesarean sections, premature rupture of membranes, and lower newborn APGAR scores.
• These findings highlight the importance of protecting pregnant women from COVID-19 infection.