Background The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on health-care systems and potentially on pregnancy outcomes, but no systematic synthesis of evidence of this effect has been undertaken. We aimed to assess the collective evidence on the effects on maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes of the pandemic. Methods We did a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on the effects of the pandemic on maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes. We searched MEDLINE and Embase in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, from Jan 1, 2020, to Jan 8, 2021, for case-control studies, cohort studies, and brief reports comparing maternal and perinatal mortality, maternal morbidity, pregnancy complications, and intrapartum and neonatal outcomes before and during the pandemic. We also planned to record any additional maternal and offspring outcomes identified. Studies of solely SARS-CoV-2-infected pregnant individuals, as well as case reports, studies without comparison groups, narrative or systematic literature reviews, preprints, and studies reporting on overlapping populations were excluded. Quantitative meta-analysis was done for an outcome when more than one study presented relevant data. Random-effects estimate of the pooled odds ratio (OR) of each outcome were generated with use of the Mantel-Haenszel method. This review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020211753). Findings The search identified 3592 citations, of which 40 studies were included. We identified significant increases in stillbirth (pooled OR 1·28 [95% CI 1·07–1·54]; I 2 =63%; 12 studies, 168 295 pregnancies during and 198 993 before the pandemic) and maternal death (1·37 [1·22–1·53; I 2 =0%, two studies [both from low-income and middle-income countries], 1 237 018 and 2 224 859 pregnancies) during versus before the pandemic. Preterm births before 37 weeks' gestation were not significantly changed overall (0·94 [0·87–1·02]; I 2 =75%; 15 studies, 170 640 and 656 423 pregnancies) but were decreased in high-income countries (0·91 [0·84–0·99]; I 2 =63%; 12 studies, 159 987 and 635 118 pregnancies), where spontaneous preterm birth was also decreased (0·81 [0·67–0·97]; two studies, 4204 and 6818 pregnancies). Mean Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale scores were higher, indicating poorer mental health, during versus before the pandemic (pooled mean difference 0·42 [95% CI 0·02–0·81; three studies, 2330 and 6517 pregnancies). Surgically managed ectopic pregnancies were increased during the pandemic (OR 5·81 [2·16–15·6]; I 2 =26%; three studies, 37 and 272 pregnancies). No overall significant effects were identified for other outcomes included in the quantitative analysis: maternal gestational diabetes; hypertensive disorders of pregnancy; preterm birth before 34 weeks', 32 weeks',...

High rates of preterm birth and cesarean delivery have been reported in women with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. 1 However, studies have inadequate power to assess uncommon outcomes like stillbirth (fetal death ≥24 weeks' gestation). The UK Obstetric Surveillance System reported 3 stillbirths among 247 completed pregnancies in women with confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vs the national rate (12.1 per 1000 births vs 4-5 per 1000 births). 2 We assessed the change in stillbirth and preterm delivery rates during the pandemic.

Background: Perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of SARS-CoV-2 infection and pregnancy. Methods: Databases (Medline, Embase, Clinicaltrials.gov, Cochrane Library) were searched electronically on 6th April and updated regularly until 8th June 2020. Reports of pregnant women with reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) confirmed COVID-19 were included. Meta-analytical proportion summaries and meta-regression analyses for key clinical outcomes are provided. Findings: 86 studies were included, 17 studies (2567 pregnancies) in the quantitative synthesis; other small case series and case reports were used to extract rarely-reported events and outcome. Most women (73.9%) were in the third trimester; 52.4% have delivered, half by caesarean section (48.3%). The proportion of Black, Asian or minority ethnic group membership (50.8%); obesity (38.2%), and chronic co-morbidities (32.5%) were high. The most commonly reported clinical symptoms were fever (63.3%), cough (71.4%) and dyspnoea (34.4%). The commonest laboratory abnormalities were raised CRP or procalcitonin (54.0%), lymphopenia (34.2%) and elevated transaminases (16.0%). Preterm birth before 37 weeks' gestation was common (21.8%), usually medically-indicated (18.4%). Maternal intensive care unit admission was required in 7.0%, with intubation in 3.4%. Maternal mortality was uncommon (~1%). Maternal intensive care admission was higher in cohorts with higher rates of co-morbidities (beta=0.007, p<0.05) and maternal age over 35 years (beta=0.007, p<0.01). Maternal mortality was higher in cohorts with higher rates of antiviral drug use (beta=0.03, p<0.001), likely due to residual confounding. Neonatal nasopharyngeal swab RT-PCR was positive in 1.4%. Interpretation: The risk of iatrogenic preterm birth and caesarean delivery was increased. The available evidence is reassuring, suggesting that maternal morbidity is similar to that of women of reproductive age. Vertical transmission of the virus probably occurs, albeit in a small proportion of cases.

Objectives  To determine whether the introduction of Obstetrics Emergency Training in line with the recommendations of the Clinical Negligence Scheme for Trusts (CNST) was associated with a reduction in perinatal asphyxia and neonatal hypoxic–ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE). Design  A retrospective cohort observational study. Setting  A tertiary referral maternity unit in a teaching hospital. Population  Term, cephalic presenting, singleton infants born at Southmead Hospital between 1998 and 2003 were identified; those born by elective Caesarean sections were excluded. Method  Five‐minute Apgar scores were reviewed. Infants that developed HIE were prospectively identified throughout this period. The study compared the period ‘pre‐training’ (1998–1999), with the period ‘post‐training’ (2001–2003). Main outcome measures  Five‐minute Apgar scores and HIE. Results  Infants (19,460) were included. Infants born with 5‐minute Apgar scores of ≤6 decreased from 86.6 to 44.6 per 10,000 births (P < 0.001) and those with HIE decreased from 27.3 to 13.6 per 10,000 births (P= 0.032) following the introduction of the training courses in 2000. Antepartum and intrapartum stillbirth at term rates remained unchanged, at about 15 and 4 per 10,000 births, respectively. Conclusion  The introduction of obstetric emergencies training courses was associated with a significant reduction in low 5‐minute Apgar scores and HIE. This improvement has been sustained as the training has continued. This is the first time an educational intervention has been shown to be associated with a clinically important, and sustained, improvement in perinatal outcome.

BACKGROUND: Some studies have suggested that women with SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy are at increased risk of adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, but these associations are still not clear. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection at the time of birth and maternal and perinatal outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: This is a population-based cohort study in England. The inclusion criteria were women with a recorded singleton birth between May 29, 2020, and January 31, 2021, in a national database of hospital admissions. Maternal and perinatal outcomes were compared between pregnant women with a laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection recorded in the birth episode and those without. Study outcomes were fetal death at or beyond 24 weeks' gestation (stillbirth), preterm birth (<37 weeks' gestation), small for gestational age infant (small for gestational age; birthweight at the .05) in the rate of other maternal outcomes. The risk of neonatal adverse outcome (adjusted odds ratio, 1.45; 95% confidence interval, 1.27e1.66; P<.001), need for specialist neonatal care (adjusted odds r...

To explore the modifications to maternity services across the UK, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, in the context of the pandemic guidance issued by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), Royal College of Midwives (RCM) and NHS England.

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Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of a new handheld vacuum delivery device.Design Randomised controlled trial.Setting Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK.Population One hundred and ninety-four women requiring delivery with vacuum extraction.Methods Women were recruited into the study while still in early labour. If during delivery, vacuum extraction was indicated they were then randomly allocated to either a new handheld vacuum device, the Kiwi Omnicup, or to a 'standard' vacuum cup selected by the obstetrician. The 'standard group' consisted of the silastic (66/98, 67%) or the metal cups (32/98, 33%). Study data were recorded at completion of the delivery and at 24 -48 hours. An additional brief symptom questionnaire was completed by the mother at 10 days postnatally. Statistical analyses were done on an 'intention-to-treat' basis. Main outcome measures The primary outcome was the successful completion of delivery with the allocated instrument. Secondary outcomes were substantial fetal scalp trauma and substantial maternal trauma. Results The Omnicup was associated with a significantly higher failure rate than the standard cup [34% vs 21%, odds ratio (OR) ¼ 1.