Examining the Causes of Maternal Mortality in Pregnant Women Since the Beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Hamadan Province, Western Iran: A Research Article

Abstract

Background: Maternal mortality prevention and delivering optimal outcomes for both mother and fetus is the utmost concern of health systems in any country. Objective: This study aimed to examine maternal mortality in pregnant women since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in Hamadan province, western Iran. Examining the causes of maternal mortality can be valuable in identifying mortality factors in line with prospective strategic plans. Methods: This case series study introduces the data of seven deceased pregnant women, the deaths of whom occurred since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic (December 2019 – March 2021) in the hospitals of cities within Hamadan province. All data were reported at the time of death or at least 14 days after hospital admission. In this study, epidemiological features and pregnancy history, background diseases, clinical symptoms, initial vital signs, medications in use, clinical laboratory values, delivery type, and neonatal outcome were assessed, respectively. Results: In the seven maternal mortality cases reported in this study, three women succumbed to pregnancy- related causes (two cases of preeclampsia and one case of antiphospholipid syndrome), and four women to severe coronavirus disease. All deceased mothers had been admitted to the intensive care unit as a result of severe illness. Four cases concerned a background condition as well, which included thromboembolic disorders, epilepsy, and lupus. In mortality cases, two women displayed a BMI score over 30. One maternal death had occurred 42 days postpartum, while five deaths had occurred prior to 37 weeks of gestation, and one past 37 weeks of gestation. Conclusion: This report provided valuable information on maternal mortality factors. Maternal mortality necessitates a careful acquisition of monitoring data, but in the prevailing pandemic circumstances, caution necessitates raising awareness of the maternal mortality potential in women with COVID-19 diagnosis in the second or third trimester. Pregnancy care programs must focus on recognizing high-risk groups of mothers-to-be with background conditions and risk factors for pregnancy, given that early diagnosis and prompt referral are invaluable in the immediate treatment and relief of pregnant mothers-to-be.