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

Benoit Tessier1,2, Isabella Annesi-Maesano2, Gilles Cambonie3

  • 1Department of Pediatric Surgery and Urology, Lapeyronie Hospital, CHU Montpellier-University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.

Frontiers in Pediatrics
|September 25, 2023
PubMed

Insights

COVID-19 lockdowns in France led to a significant decrease in preterm birth (PTB) rates and an increase in birth weight. These positive effects on infant health outcomes persisted for months after the lockdowns concluded.

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.
Abstract

Keywords:
COVID-19birth weightinterrupted time series analysislockdownlow birth weightpreterm birthpublic health

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