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COVID-19 in Pregnancy: Maternal, Neonatal, and Racial Disparities in a Local Cohort
Celeena R Remmers1, Diana E Sanchez1, Funminiyi A Ajayi1,2
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford, Rockford, USA.
Cureus
|May 8, 2026
Summary
COVID-19 infection during pregnancy can lead to adverse outcomes, with risks varying by trimester. First-trimester infections increased preterm birth and low birth weight, while third-trimester infections were linked to pneumonia.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neonatal Health
Background:
- Pregnancy complicated by COVID-19 is associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.
- Limited data exist on trimester-specific outcomes and racial disparities in COVID-19 pregnancies.
- Understanding these impacts is crucial for maternal and infant health management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate trimester-specific maternal and neonatal outcomes in pregnancies with COVID-19.
- To examine racial disparities in pregnancy outcomes among women with COVID-19.
- To compare outcomes with local county-level data.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of obstetric patients with COVID-19.
- Analysis of maternal and neonatal outcomes stratified by trimester of infection and race.
- Comparison with 2021 Winnebago County health data.
- Statistical analysis using chi-square tests, Fisher's exact tests, and logistic regression.
Main Results:
- First-trimester COVID-19 infection was associated with higher odds of preterm birth (41.2%) and low birth weight (23.5%).
- Third-trimester infection correlated with increased rates of pneumonia (11.8%).
- The study cohort showed higher rates of gestational diabetes and ICU admission compared to county data.
Conclusions:
- Trimester of COVID-19 infection during pregnancy influences specific maternal and neonatal outcomes.
- First-trimester infections pose risks for preterm birth and low birth weight.
- Third-trimester infections are linked to higher pneumonia incidence, highlighting the need for trimester-specific monitoring.
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