An Observational Study of COVID-19 Infection in Pregnant Women at a Tertiary Care Center

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 infection is a disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The manifestations, effects, and severity of the infection are varied in different waves, especially during pregnancy. Material(s) and Method(s): The study was conducted in two equal time periods during the first and second waves. During the first wave, the period of study was between June and August 2020 corresponding to the peak of the first wave, and in the second wave, the study period was between May and July 2021 corresponding to the peak of the second wave. Result(s): A total of 3,791 pregnant women was screened for COVID-19 infection during the first wave and second wave, the pregnant mothers with COVID-19 positive were 4.2 (n = 163) and 5.1% (n = 191), respectively. Around 60% were antenatal mothers and 37% were postnatal mothers who were COVID-19-positive. The predominant age group affected was between 20 and 25 years of age. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), gestational hypertension, anemia, previous lower segment cesarean section (LSCS), postdated pregnancy, and past history of infertility were the high-risk factors observed during the study. Hypoxia was observed in 15% of patients in the second wave. About 49.7% (n = 95) of the COVID-19-positive mothers in the second wave required steroids, anticoagulants, and antiviral drugs. Conclusion(s): The incidence of COVID-19 infection was mild and asymptomatic during the first wave and symptomatic as well as with complications during the second wave. The disease severity, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, duration of stay, LSCS delivery, and need for antivirals, anticoagulants, and steroids were more during the second wave of COVID-19.Copyright © The Author(s). 2023.