ABSTRACT
Aim: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is an ongoing emergency with limited data on perinatal outcomes. The aim of the study was to describe key maternal, perinatal, and neonatal outcomes of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection from low–middle income settings. Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study in a tertiary level public hospital in India. All pregnant women admitted from May 2020 to July 2020 were included in the study. Maternal demography, medical and obstetric complications, clinical characteristics, and investigations were described. Symptomatic infected women were compared with the asymptomatic group for important outcomes. Key perinatal outcomes such as early pregnancy losses, fetal distress, stillbirths, and placental changes were evaluated. Neonatal characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 positive and negative pregnancies were described and compared. Results: Among the 702 pregnant women enrolled, the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was 16.2%, with the majority being asymptomatic. Infected women had an increased mortality, while symptomatic women had a significant risk of stillbirth. Mean placental weight of infected women was significantly higher. Neonatal infection rate was 9.1%, with 50% manifesting mild respiratory symptoms without any mortality. Conclusion: This study provides a comprehensive description of important antenatal, intrapartum and neonatal complications and outcomes in a low–middle income setting characterized by high disease burden and an overwhelmed health care system. Clinical significance: Incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy was 16.2%. The symptomatic infected women had increased stillbirth and mortality. Neonatal transmission was seen in 9.1% with good survival.