Journal of Kerman University of Medical Sciences

Pregnancy Implication Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Masoumeh Baghalishahi 1
Shahriar Dabiri 2
Shahrzad Sadat Eftekharvaghefi 3, 4, 5
Vida Mirzaie 6
Hossein Bonakchi 7
Mona Saheli 1

1 Department of Anatomical Sciences, and Pathology and Stem Cell Research Centre, Afzalipour Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

2 Department of Pathology, Pathology and Stem Cell Research Center, Afzalipour Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

3 Pathology and Stem Cell Research Centre, Physiology Research Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Afzalipour Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

4 Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Kerman Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kerman, Iran

5 Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Afzalipour Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

6 Department of Anatomical Sciences, Afzalipour Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

7 Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Paramedical Science, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

https://doi.org/10.34172/jkmu.2024.26
Abstract
Background: COVID-19 that is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, is being classified as a pandemic and has influenced all aspects of human life. Although some groups, such as pregnant women, are at higher risk, the information on COVID-19 effects on pregnancy has remained limited yet.
Methods: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the fetal mortality rate (FMR). The delivery status of all asymptomatic pregnant women hospitalized in 5 hospitals located in Kerman city, Iran, were checked three months before and three months during this pandemic.
Results: According to the results, compared to the non-COVID-19, the COVID-19 period increased FMR with an odds ratio of 1.40 (95% CI: 1.14-1.72), meaning that the coronavirus could increase the risk of fetal death by 40%.
Conclusion: The evidence suggests that more careful and accurate screening approaches are needed for asymptomatic pregnant individuals to avoid risks to the fetus and mother.

Keywords

Fetal death
COVID-19
Coronavirus
Coronavirus disease
Pandemic
Pregnant women
Subjects
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Journal of Kerman University of Medical Sciences
Volume 31, Issue 4
July and August 2024
Pages 158-164

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