Publication:

Potential effect of COVID-19 pandemic on pregnancy outcome: a prospective observational study

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide, particularly impacting vulnerable populations such as pregnant women. Physiological changes during pregnancy may increase susceptibility to severe outcomes from COVID-19, necessitating a deeper understanding of its effects on maternal and fetal health. This study aimed to observe the outcomes of pregnant patients diagnosed with COVID-19, focusing on maternal morbidity, fetal outcomes, and the impact on healthcare resources.

Methods A multicenter, non-randomized, quasi-experimental prospective observational study was conducted at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh, from July 2020 to June 2021. A total of 81 pregnant women with confirmed COVID-19 were included in the study. Data were collected using a pre-prepared data collection sheet and analyzed using SPSS version 26.

Results The majority of patients were in the third trimester (49.1%) and between 35-40 weeks gestation (83%). Common symptoms included severe cough (26%) and fever (14%). Six patients (7.4%) experienced multiorgan failure, while 3 (3.7%) required mechanical ventilation. There were 3 spontaneous abortions, 52 deliveries (64.2%), and 2 neonates were COVID-positive. Maternal hospital stays averaged 13.1 days (SD±6.37), with a mean breastfeeding interval of 13.3 days (SD±6.44).

Conclusions COVID-19 had a detrimental impact on both maternal and fetal health, emphasizing the need for improved treatment strategies and resource allocation. This study highlights the importance of further research to better understand and mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on pregnant women.