Impact of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) on pregnancy and newborn outcome

Abstract

Background: The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19); It was more devastating in people with comorbidities such as advanced age and immunodeficiency. Another group affected by COVID-19 was pregnant women. Immunological changes during pregnancy and conditions such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia that occur during pregnancy also have effects on the fetus. Objective: We aimed to analyze the effects of PCR-proven COVID-19 infection during pregnancy on fetus and newborn. Study Design: Data from pregnant women with COVID-19 symptoms or a history of contact with people with COVID-19 who were infected with PCR-proven COVID-19 virus between December 2019 and October 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical and laboratory data of pregnant women were analyzed. Death data associated with -19 were evaluated. Clinical and laboratory findings of newborns related to COVID-19 and mortality data related to COVID-19 were recorded. Results: 327 pregnant women whose births were terminated by continuing their follow-up in our hospital were evaluated. 185 (56.6%) of the pregnant women had at least one COVID-19-related symptom. Thoracic computed tomography of ten cases included COVID-19 findings. Fifty-three (16.2%) pregnant women were over 35 years old. No significant difference was found between pregnancy over 35 years of age and maternal death. The rate of hospitalization in the intensive care unit of mothers with diabetes was statistically higher (p=0.034). The mortality rate was higher in preeclamptic mothers (p=0.029). A total of 34 infants died; 21 died in the intrauterine period and 13 died in the postnatal period. 5 of the neonatal deaths were due to COVID-19. Conclusion: While COVID-19 infection in pregnancy seriously affects mortality and morbidity in pregnant women, it also causes mortality and morbidity on the fetus.