COVID-19 lockdown related to decrease in premature birth rate and increase in birth weight in metropolitan France.

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The global incidence of preterm birth (PTB) has risen over the past two decades.
• COVID-19 lockdowns presented a unique opportunity to study the impact of socioenvironmental and lifestyle changes on pregnancy outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the nationwide effects of COVID-19 lockdowns on preterm birth rates and birth weight in France.
• To assess the duration of these effects for up to one year post-lockdown.

Main Methods:

• A national retrospective observational study utilizing data from the Programme Médicalisé des Systèmes d'Information database (2016-2020).
• Analysis included global and sub-category PTB rates, mean birth weight, and low birth weight (LBW) proportions before and after lockdown.
• Stratified analysis was performed on all live births, term and premature neonates, and LBW categories.

Main Results:

• The national PTB rate decreased from 7.7% to 7.3% post-lockdown, a reduction sustained for up to 9 months.
• Mean birth weight for full-term babies increased by 0.16% and the proportion of LBW infants decreased by 0.15% post-lockdown.
• While moderate PTB decreased, very PTB and extremely PTB rates remained stable; very low birth weight (VLBW) reduction was observed over 6 months.

Conclusions:

• The study demonstrates a significant reduction in prematurity and an increase in birth weight in France following COVID-19 lockdowns.
• These positive outcomes persisted beyond the lockdown period, suggesting lasting impacts.
• Further research into the specific factors driving these changes is recommended to inform future PTB prevention strategies.