Repercussions of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the pandemic on birth routes: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the repercussions of SARS-CoV-2 infection (suspected or confirmed) and the context of the pandemic on the birth route and humanized assistance during childbirth. Method: Cross-sectional epidemiological study, nested within a cohort and comparative with the research “Birth in Belo Horizonte: Survey on Childbirth and Delivery”.The medical records of three reference maternity hospitals in Belo Horizonte were assessed, with a final sample of 1,682 pregnant women, in the months of May, June and July 2020. A descriptive analysis was carried out, with absolute and relative frequency, and a comparative one, with a Pearson’s chi-square test. Results: It was observed that 2.02% of pregnant women were infected with SARS-CoV-2.Before the pandemic, out of a total of 390 pregnant women, 74.10% gave birth vaginally.During a pandemic, among infected women, 51.61% gave birth via cesarean section and 48,39% via vaginal delivery;among uninfected, 26.99% cesarean sections and 73.01% vaginaldeliveries. Conclusion: There was an increase in the percentage of cesarean sections and a possible influence of the pandemic on the rates of indication of cesarean sections at the time of admission to the maternity ward.