Impact of secondwave of covid19 infection on pregnant women –an observational study of dedicated covid hospital in central india

The second wave of Covid-19 pandemic had drastic effect on pregnant women . Our study aimed to estimate the clinical characteristics, maternal and neonatal outcomes in Covid- 19 positive pregnant women during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective was also to estimate the impact of Covid -19 infection on pregnant women in terms of hospital and pregnancy outcomes. We conducted an Observational study on pregnant Covid positive women admitted for treatment in MTH Dedicated Covid Hospital, Indore, MP, India from 1 April 2021 to 31 May 2021. There were 152 women admitted during this period. Their demographic data, detailed obstetric history, clinical presentation and, investigational findings were studied and detailed analysis was done to study maternal and neonatal outcomes and Hospital outcomes as well.
The incidence of SARS COV2 infection in pregnant women based on admissions in our hospital was 10.4%. The main symptom was fever in 29% of women, 18% were asymptomatic. Significant changes in laboratory parameters & X-ray findings were noted. Maternal outcomes -28.5% of women needed critical care, 39.29% non-invasive ventilation,32.14% had pneumonia on imaging, there were 26 maternal deaths and 123/152 were discharged in a good condition. 5.38% had a pregnancy loss,56.76% were >37 weeks of pregnancy, 40% had a vaginal delivery, 60% had Caesarean section.80 babies were born, 60% were term, 38.75% required nursery admission,4 neonatal deaths, 15% had Neonatal sepsis. Covid positive pregnant women had strong odds of maternal death, ICU admission, need for Oxygen, Preterm birth, stillbirths, and neonatal death compared to Non-covid pregnant women.
Our study concludes that Covid19 positive pregnant and postnatal women suffered morbidity and even mortality in the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. This may be related to mutation of the virus and infection with a new variant. However, more studies are required to prove this fact. The impact of Covid 19 infection on pregnant women was tremendous maybe because they were a subset in society who had not been vaccinated. In the future analysis of the effects of the Covid19 infection in pregnant women is important so that we can modify the existing protocols for optimal management.