Publication:

Clinical profile, maternal and fetal outcome in pregnant women with COVID-19 infection: a retrospective observational study in a tertiary care hospital of Himachal Pradesh

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of pregnant women confirmed with COVID-19 infections and their neonates to provide more reference to contribute in managing this noval viral disease.

Methods We conducted a retrospective study over a period of six months; 20 March, 2020 to 8 October, 2020 at SLBSGMC Nerchowk (Himachal Pradesh). Total number of pregnant women who delivered in our hospital during the defined study period was recorded and analysed.

Results The total number of women were delivered over the study period was 13, out of which caesarean sections (CS) were 7 and NVDs were 6 in number. All of them were diagnosed mild COVID-19, and none one of the patients developed severe COVID-19 or died. Their all newborns were recorded healthy except one was COVID positive and one neonate had birth asphyxia.

Conclusions Apparently no difference was observed in relation to onset of disease, symptoms, cure rates or severity in pregnant women when compared to non-pregnant women and healthy men of similar age groups. Pregnancy does not seem to deteriorate the course and prognosis of the disease. Maternal and fetal outcomes are apparently favourable in these patients. Lastly COVID-19 is not an indication of cesarean section. More multicentre studies are the need of the hour to formulate the authentic management guidelines for this novel disease.