COVID-19 infection history as a risk factor for early pregnancy loss: results from the electronic health record-based Southeast Texas COVID and Pregnancy Cohort Study

Abstract

Background: The effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection before or during pregnancy on pregnancy outcomes are still largely unknown. We hypothesized that COVID-19 in early pregnancy is a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes, particularly miscarriage.

Methods: We examined the relationship between COVID-19 and adverse pregnancy outcomes, including spontaneous abortion, ectopic pregnancy, and preterm delivery in a large, retrospective, electronic health record (EHR)-based cohort, from 2019 to 2023. Generalized estimating equation modeling was performed to identify risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Study exposures included COVID-19 before pregnancy, COVID-19 during pregnancy, age, race/ethnicity, comorbidity burden, and neighborhood-level social vulnerability.

Results: In the Southeast Texas Pregnancy and COVID Cohort (26,783 pregnancy episodes), the risk of miscarriage among pregnancy episodes with a miscarriage, livebirth, or delivery outcome was 6.3% (1514/ 24,119). In multivariable modeling, history of both mild and moderate to severe COVID-19 before pregnancy were associated with miscarriage (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.48, confidence interval (CI) 2.21-2.78 and aOR 2.81, CI 1.8-4.38, respectively). Additionally, in the same model, both mild and moderate to severe COVID-19 in the first trimester were associated with miscarriage (aOR 2.31, CI 1.96-2.72 and aOR 2.45, CI 1.12-5.35, respectively).

Conclusions: COVID-19 both prior to and during pregnancy was identified as a risk factor for spontaneous abortion in this study sample. These findings highlight the importance of COVID-19 vaccination and post-COVID management for pregnant people and those planning a pregnancy.

Keywords: COVID-19; Electronic health records; Epidemiology; Infectious disease; Miscarriage; Pregnancy.