Rise in pregnancy-related complications during COVID 19 pandemic

In a paper published in JAMA Network Open, physician-scientists assessed how pregnancy-related complications and obstetric outcomes changed during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to pre-pandemic. Looking at the relative changes in the mode of delivery, rates of premature births, and mortality outcomes before compared to during the pandemic, the team found increased odds of maternal death during delivery hospitalization, cardiovascular disorders, and obstetric hemorrhage during the pandemic.

Molina and colleagues analyzed data from more than 1.6 million pregnant patients who gave birth in 463 U.S. hospitals in the 14 months prior to the advent of COVID-19 and during the first 14 months of the pandemic. There were no statistically significant differences in the two groups' demographic characteristics, including age, race and ethnicity, insurance types, and co-morbidities.

The team saw a 5.2 percent reduction in total live births during the pandemic period. Their analysis also revealed maternal death during delivery hospitalization increased from 5.17 deaths per 100,000 pregnant patients prior to the pandemic to 8.69 deaths per 100,000 pregnant patients during the pandemic, a small but statistically significant increase.

The research team also saw shortened stays in the hospital.

The team also saw a decline in sepsis rates during the pandemic, likely the result of enhanced hand hygiene and masking due to COVID-19.

Ref: Rose L. Molina et. al, JAMA Network Open, 12-Aug-2022