What are some of the birth and infant outcomes following COVID-19?
What are some of the birth and infant outcomes following COVID-19?
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Maternal COVID-19 infection during pregnancy may be a risk factor for premature birth. In November 2020, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released outcomes data for infants born to birth givers who had been diagnosed with COVID-19 during pregnancy. The data was collected between March and October of 2020 and included a total of 3,912 infants. Incidence of prematurity in study participants was higher than average, which suggests that maternal COVID-19 infection acquired pregnancy (not in general) may be a risk factor for prematurity. This report found that 12.9% of infants born to individuals who had been diagnosed with COVID-19 during pregnancy were born prematurely (<37 weeks gestation), which is greater than the national estimate of 10.2%. In the U.S., COVID-19 has not impacted all communities equally; non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic communities have been unduly impacted by the virus. Racial and ethnic disparities also exist in overall health outcomes and impact maternal morbidity, mortality, and adverse birth outcomes. In this study, non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic women were disproportionately represented, and the authors note that further observation and analysis of outcomes by race and ethnicity is needed. Another study published in the Lancet in October 2020 found that the incidence of preterm births went down in the Netherlands after the implementation of COVID-19 pandemic mitigation policies. The authors suggest that some of the observed decrease in preterm births could be related to reductions in maternal exposure to air pollution and reductions in pregnant women seeking obstetric care that induces preterm birth. While the impact of COVID-19 on pregnancy outcomes remains under investigation, the CDC continues to encourage pregnant people to attend prenatal care appointments; practice handwashing, social distancing, and mask wearing (preferably a cloth mask over a surgical mask); and avoid crowds especially in indoor areas to prevent COVID-19 infection. They also suggest that providers counsel pregnant individuals on steps to prevent COVID-19 infection.
Maternal COVID-19 infection during pregnancy may be a risk factor for premature birth. In November 2020, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released outcomes data for infants born to birth givers who had been diagnosed with COVID-19 during pregnancy. The data was collected between March and October of 2020 and included a total of 3,912 infants. Incidence of prematurity in study participants was higher than average, which suggests that maternal COVID-19 infection acquired pregnancy (not in general) may be a risk factor for prematurity. This report found that 12.9% of infants born to individuals who had been diagnosed with COVID-19 during pregnancy were born prematurely (<37 weeks gestation), which is greater than the national estimate of 10.2%. In the U.S., COVID-19 has not impacted all communities equally; non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic communities have been unduly impacted by the virus. Racial and ethnic disparities also exist in overall health outcomes and impact maternal morbidity, mortality, and adverse birth outcomes. In this study, non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic women were disproportionately represented, and the authors note that further observation and analysis of outcomes by race and ethnicity is needed. Another study published in the Lancet in October 2020 found that the incidence of preterm births went down in the Netherlands after the implementation of COVID-19 pandemic mitigation policies. The authors suggest that some of the observed decrease in preterm births could be related to reductions in maternal exposure to air pollution and reductions in pregnant women seeking obstetric care that induces preterm birth. While the impact of COVID-19 on pregnancy outcomes remains under investigation, the CDC continues to encourage pregnant people to attend prenatal care appointments; practice handwashing, social distancing, and mask wearing (preferably a cloth mask over a surgical mask); and avoid crowds especially in indoor areas to prevent COVID-19 infection. They also suggest that providers counsel pregnant individuals on steps to prevent COVID-19 infection.
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What our experts say
Maternal COVID-19 infection during pregnancy may be a risk factor for premature birth.
In November 2020, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released outcomes data for infants born to birth givers who had been diagnosed with COVID-19 during pregnancy. The data was collected between March and October of 2020 and included a total of 3,912 infants. Incidence of prematurity in study participants was higher than average, which suggests that maternal COVID-19 infection acquired pregnancy (not in general) may be a risk factor for prematurity. This report found that 12.9% of infants born to individuals who had been diagnosed with COVID-19 during pregnancy were born prematurely (<37 weeks gestation), which is greater than the national estimate of 10.2%.
In the U.S., COVID-19 has not impacted all communities equally; non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic communities have been unduly impacted by the virus. Racial and ethnic disparities also exist in overall health outcomes and impact maternal morbidity, mortality, and adverse birth outcomes. In this study, non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic women were disproportionately represented, and the authors note that further observation and analysis of outcomes by race and ethnicity is needed.
Another study published in the Lancet in October 2020 found that the incidence of preterm births went down in the Netherlands after the implementation of COVID-19 pandemic mitigation policies. The authors suggest that some of the observed decrease in preterm births could be related to reductions in maternal exposure to air pollution and reductions in pregnant women seeking obstetric care that induces preterm birth.
While the impact of COVID-19 on pregnancy outcomes remains under investigation, the CDC continues to encourage pregnant people to attend prenatal care appointments; practice handwashing, social distancing, and mask wearing (preferably a cloth mask over a surgical mask); and avoid crowds especially in indoor areas to prevent COVID-19 infection. They also suggest that providers counsel pregnant individuals on steps to prevent COVID-19 infection.
Maternal COVID-19 infection during pregnancy may be a risk factor for premature birth.
In November 2020, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released outcomes data for infants born to birth givers who had been diagnosed with COVID-19 during pregnancy. The data was collected between March and October of 2020 and included a total of 3,912 infants. Incidence of prematurity in study participants was higher than average, which suggests that maternal COVID-19 infection acquired pregnancy (not in general) may be a risk factor for prematurity. This report found that 12.9% of infants born to individuals who had been diagnosed with COVID-19 during pregnancy were born prematurely (<37 weeks gestation), which is greater than the national estimate of 10.2%.
In the U.S., COVID-19 has not impacted all communities equally; non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic communities have been unduly impacted by the virus. Racial and ethnic disparities also exist in overall health outcomes and impact maternal morbidity, mortality, and adverse birth outcomes. In this study, non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic women were disproportionately represented, and the authors note that further observation and analysis of outcomes by race and ethnicity is needed.
Another study published in the Lancet in October 2020 found that the incidence of preterm births went down in the Netherlands after the implementation of COVID-19 pandemic mitigation policies. The authors suggest that some of the observed decrease in preterm births could be related to reductions in maternal exposure to air pollution and reductions in pregnant women seeking obstetric care that induces preterm birth.
While the impact of COVID-19 on pregnancy outcomes remains under investigation, the CDC continues to encourage pregnant people to attend prenatal care appointments; practice handwashing, social distancing, and mask wearing (preferably a cloth mask over a surgical mask); and avoid crowds especially in indoor areas to prevent COVID-19 infection. They also suggest that providers counsel pregnant individuals on steps to prevent COVID-19 infection.
Context and background
Research has shown that pregnant individuals may be at increased risk of contracting COVID-19 and becoming severely ill as a result of the infection. People who are older, overweight, or have other pre-existing medical conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes are also at increased risk.
Since the start of the pandemic, multiple studies have observed that infants born to birth givers diagnosed with COVID-19 during pregnancy are more likely to be born prematurely (<37 weeks’ gestation) than infants born to birth givers who have not had COVID-19. The reasons for premature delivery are not well understood at this time. It is also not well understood if maternal COVID-19 passes to the infant during pregnancy or delivery. Though studies have documented some cases where infants tested positive for COVID-19 after birth, limited data is available. While the impact of COVID-19 on pregnancy outcomes remains under investigation, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to encourage pregnant women to attend prenatal care appointments; practice handwashing, social distancing, and mask wearing; and avoid crowds especially in indoor areas to prevent COVID-19 infection. In addition, the CDC recommends that doctors and healthcare providers should be aware of the possible risks for severe illness among pregnant people.
Research has shown that pregnant individuals may be at increased risk of contracting COVID-19 and becoming severely ill as a result of the infection. People who are older, overweight, or have other pre-existing medical conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes are also at increased risk.
Since the start of the pandemic, multiple studies have observed that infants born to birth givers diagnosed with COVID-19 during pregnancy are more likely to be born prematurely (<37 weeks’ gestation) than infants born to birth givers who have not had COVID-19. The reasons for premature delivery are not well understood at this time. It is also not well understood if maternal COVID-19 passes to the infant during pregnancy or delivery. Though studies have documented some cases where infants tested positive for COVID-19 after birth, limited data is available. While the impact of COVID-19 on pregnancy outcomes remains under investigation, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to encourage pregnant women to attend prenatal care appointments; practice handwashing, social distancing, and mask wearing; and avoid crowds especially in indoor areas to prevent COVID-19 infection. In addition, the CDC recommends that doctors and healthcare providers should be aware of the possible risks for severe illness among pregnant people.
Resources
- Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Pregnancy and childbirth (WHO)
- Characteristics and Maternal and Birth Outcomes of Hospitalized Pregnant Women with Laboratory-Confirmed COVID-19- COVID-NET, 13 States, March 1-August 22, 2020 (US CDC)
- Clinical manifestations, risk factors, and maternal and perinatal outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 in pregnancy: living systematic review and meta-analysis (BMJ)
- SARS-CoV-2 Infection Among Hospitalized Pregnant Women: Reasons for Admission and Pregnancy Characteristics- Eight U.S. Health Care Centers March 1-May 30, 2020 (US CDC)
- Birth and Infant Outcomes FollowingLaboratory-Confirmed SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Pregnancy- SET-NET, 16 Jurisdictions, March 29-October 14, 2020 (US CDC)
- Impact of COVID-19 mitigation measures on the incidence of preterm birth: a national quasi-experimental study (The Lancet)
- Maximizing Fit for Cloth and Medical Procedure Masks to Improve Performance and Reduce SARS-CoV-2 Transmission and Exposure, 2021 (U.S. CDC)
- Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Pregnancy and childbirth (WHO)
- Characteristics and Maternal and Birth Outcomes of Hospitalized Pregnant Women with Laboratory-Confirmed COVID-19- COVID-NET, 13 States, March 1-August 22, 2020 (US CDC)
- Clinical manifestations, risk factors, and maternal and perinatal outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 in pregnancy: living systematic review and meta-analysis (BMJ)
- SARS-CoV-2 Infection Among Hospitalized Pregnant Women: Reasons for Admission and Pregnancy Characteristics- Eight U.S. Health Care Centers March 1-May 30, 2020 (US CDC)
- Birth and Infant Outcomes FollowingLaboratory-Confirmed SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Pregnancy- SET-NET, 16 Jurisdictions, March 29-October 14, 2020 (US CDC)
- Impact of COVID-19 mitigation measures on the incidence of preterm birth: a national quasi-experimental study (The Lancet)
- Maximizing Fit for Cloth and Medical Procedure Masks to Improve Performance and Reduce SARS-CoV-2 Transmission and Exposure, 2021 (U.S. CDC)
