Impact of Covid-19 on Pregnancy and Its Outcome in Zonal Military Hospital

Abstract

Introduction :The corona virus disease 2019 [COVID-19] has rapidly spread worldwide and is now a global pandemic. It is matter of concern whether the COVID-19 affects the pregnancy and its outcome.In this study,investigation was done to determine the possibility of effects of COVID-19 on pregnancy and its outcome. Materials and Methods : A total of 1014 pregnant women were included in the study, from 1st April to 30 Nov 2020 at a zonal military hospital.There were 148 women who tested COVID-19 RT-PCR [reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction] positive and remaining 866 were COVID-19 negative.Findings of antenatal complications and perinatal outcome were compared in both the groups. Results :The incidence of COVID-19 positive pregnant women was found to be 14.59 %.No increase in rate of antenatal complications was seen in COVID-19 positive patients.Cesarean delivery rate was more in the COVID-19 positive group (52%) as compared to COVID-19 negative group (38%),(p > 0.05). Low APGAR score (0-3) was observed in 1 (0.67%) neonate of COVID-19 positive mothers and in 9 (1.03%) neonates of COVID-19 negative mothers.Overall 148 neonates were tested for the possibility of vertical transmission, 145 neonates were negative in RT-PCR, while 3 were positive.Conclusion : There is no significant effect of COVID-19 infection on maternal and foetal outcome in pregnancy and possibility of vertical transmission of the COVID-19 infection can not be ruled out.