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Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Abstract

Background: Since the onset of the Coronavirus 19 (COVID-19) pandemic in 2020, the medical community has raced to keep up with the continued healthcare sequelae of the virus. During this time, pregnant women and newborns have been of particular concern. A higher incidence of pregnancy-related complications was seen among women during the pandemic. This study aimed to assess the relationship between COVID-19 and pregnancy complications among women. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed records of pregnant women with active COVID-19 or a history of COVID-19 during pregnancy, admitted to a South Florida hospital between March 2020 and December 2021. Patients’ charts with first-trimester deliveries and those aged less than 18 or greater than 40 were excluded; charts for women in active labor during their second or third trimesters were included. The following outcomes were assessed: COVID-19, preterm delivery, spontaneous abortion, premature rupture of membranes, delivery by cesarean section, and preeclampsia. Nationally reported data was used as a comparison. Results: Preterm delivery occurred in 8.57% of COVID-19-positive pregnant patients. No spontaneous abortions were noted. Premature rupture of membranes occurred in 2.86% of COVID-19-positive deliveries. For COVID-19-positive pregnant women, the cesarean section rate was 47.62% compared to a vaginal delivery rate of 52.38%. Preeclampsia occurred in 3.81% of patients. As compared to national data, overall pregnancy-related complication rates were lower in COVID-19-positive pregnant women. Discussion: Surveillance of pregnant women with COVID-19 is essential to understanding the short and long-term outcomes for mothers and newborns. Studying these consequences provides fundamental knowledge on the effects of COVID-19 on pregnancy for better management, earlier intervention, and improved obstetric outcomes in our community.

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