Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Maternal Weight Variation and Newborn Anthropometry at Birth

Abstract

Aim: Monitoring maternal weight variation during pregnancy is crucial for newborn outcomes. The COVID-19 outbreak disruptions globally affected population lifestyles due to confinement and social restrictions. This study aims to assess the pandemic impact on maternal gestational weight gain and neonatal anthropometric parameters at birth. Method: A retrospective, analytical, multicenter observational study was conducted across seven Primary Health Care units. The study comprised two cohorts: a control group and a pandemic cohort, consisting of pregnant women monitored in 2020. Each pregnant woman's corresponding newborn was included in the analysis. Data collected from electronic clinical files were analyzed using Stata17® software. Results: The sample included 147 pregnant women, with 43.5% falling within the pandemic group. The pandemic group exhibited a significantly higher mean age and a lower primigravidae proportion compared to the control group. Among pregnant women in the pandemic group, the average weight variation was 14.0±5.0 kg, and a decreased risk of inadequate maternal weight gain was identified. Newborns' anthropometric parameters did not differ significantly between groups, regardless of maternal weight changes. COVID-19-infected pregnant women had newborns with a lower body mass index at birth. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a decreased risk of inadequate gestational weight gain, without an elevated risk of excessive weight gain during pregnancy. In the subgroup of pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2, a significant reduction in newborns' BMI at birth was observed. Keywords: COVID-19, maternal health, weight gain, newborn, anthropometry, primary health care