Postpartum Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 Infection During Pregnancy

Abstract

Background: The coronavirus pandemic was associated with increased maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. The inflammatory mediators related to SARS-CoV-2 infection may be associated with low perinatal outcomes. It is essential to understand the clinical presentation and complications of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in order to provide the best postpartum care. Objective: To assess postpartum maternal and neonatal outcomes in COVID-infected mothers. Methods: A case-control study was done in the labor ward of Azadi Teaching Hospital in Kirkuk City, Iraq, from May 1st, 2020, until May 1st, 2021. The study included 380 pregnant women who attended for delivery, 150 women with proven SARS-CoV-2 infection, and 230 women in the control group without COVID infection. Results: Emergency CS and postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) were significantly higher in cases when compared to the control group (p=0.001 and p=0.005, respectively), and pulmonary embolism (PE) occurred in 4 cases in comparison to 0 among the control group (p=0.01). Low APGAR score at 5 minutes, low birth weight, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), and early neonatal death showed a significant association with cases in comparison to controls (p<0.05). Conclusion: There were increased adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes in the postpartum period as a result of COVID-19 in Iraqi pregnant women.