Effect of COVID-19 on pregnant women and its relation to pregnancy outcomes

Background: To evaluate the pregnancy outcomes and clinical characteristics of pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2 and their neonates, highlighting COVID-19’s potential impact on maternal and neonatal health. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted which included 50 pregnant women, aged 18-40 years, hospitalized with strongly suspected or confirmed COVID-19 based on RT-PCR or clinical/imaging findings. Data on maternal symptoms, delivery mode, laboratory findings, and neonatal outcomes were collected and then analyzed. Pregnancies complicated by cancers or inflammatory diseases were excluded. Neonatal health was assessed using the Apgar score, NICU admissions, and SARS-CoV-2 testing. Results: The mean gestational age at diagnosis was 35.85±4 weeks, with 50% vaginal deliveries and 50% cesarean sections (30% elective, 20% emergency). Adverse outcomes included 2 preterm births (4%) and 5 cases of premature rupture of membranes (10%). Three neonates (6%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, with a mean birth weight of 3506 gm, and Apgar scores of 4±2.1 (1 minute) and 8±1.2 (5 minutes). NICU admission was required for 14% of newborns, with no reported neonatal deaths. The majority of women experienced mild symptoms, and no severe maternal illness or death occurred. Conclusions: In pregnant women, COVID-19 infection was associated with mild maternal symptoms and favorable neonatal outcomes, although vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 was observed in 6% of cases. Further research is required in order to assess long-term effects and better understand the mechanisms behind vertical transmission.