Risk factors and clinical manifestations of COVID-19 in pregnant women in Indonesia

Abstract

Background/AimsPregnant women are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 than non-pregnant women. Research investigating risk factors and clinical manifestations of COVID-19 in pregnant women is limited in Indonesia. Therefore, this study's aim was to investigate these clinical issues.MethodsFor this observational cross-sectional study, data were collected from Merah Putih Government Hospital. A total of 106 medical records were analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson's Chi-squared test, to examine differences in risk factors or clinical manifestations in pregnant women with or without COVID-19.ResultsThere were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of risk factors such as diabetes, bronchial asthma and cardiovascular disease. There were significant differences between the groups for clinical manifestations of fever, cough, dyspnea, ageusia, rapid antigen test and lymphocytopenia.ConclusionsCoordinated care strategies should be initiated, particularly in the assessment of vulnerable pregnant women. Future pandemic preparedness studies should be considered to improve and protect maternal and child health in Indonesia.