Impact of mitigation measures against the COVID 19 pandemic on the perinatal results of the reference maternity hospital in Uruguay

J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2022 Dec;35(25):5060-5062. doi: 10.1080/14767058.2021.1874911. Epub 2021 Jan 17.

Abstract

Introduction: Social consequences of pandemics, impacts on perinatal results, especially those who are the most vulnerable.

Objective: Determine effect of mitigation measures of the COVID 19 pandemic on perinatal results in the maternity hospital of the Pereira Rossell Hospital Center (CHPR).

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional cohort study, with a comparative analysis of the semesters of March 15-30 September 2019 versus the same period in 2020 based on three variables low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth (PB), and small for gestational age (SGA).

Results: Incidence of PB (14.5%), LBW (12%) and SGA (6.9%) was higher in the 2020 semester during COVID 19 pandemic compared to the same period of 2019 (12.2%; 9.8%; 5.5%). PB showed a statistically significant increase of 21% in our hospital.

Conclusion: Mitigation measures of the COVID 19 pandemic, aggravate the effects of the global syndemic on the reproductive process of the social sectors most violated in their rights.

Keywords: COVID 19; low birthweight; mitigation measures; perinatal results; preterm birth; small for gestational age.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Fetal Growth Retardation
  • Hospitals, Maternity
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Small for Gestational Age
  • Pregnancy
  • Premature Birth* / epidemiology
  • Premature Birth* / etiology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Uruguay