A rapid review of delivery outcome among pregnant women infected with Covid-19 in Keningau Hospital from April 2020 to April 2022

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Our objective is to report the outcomes of delivery in pregnant women with Covid-19. Methods: Retrospective review of data from standardized clinical reports of 187 pregnant women confirmed with Covid-19 confirmed infection delivered in Keningau Hospital between April 2020 to April 2022. Results: A total of 664 pregnant mothers were diagnosed to have Covid-19 infection and 187 (28.99%) were enrolled to the study as they delivered during the stipulated duration of review. 43 (23%) delivered vaginally and 144 (77%) delivered via ceaserean section. All women who delivered vaginally presented in advanced labour and almost 30% of the cases were delivered through instrumental delivery. All Covid-19 infected mothers were discharged well except one who succumbed to death due to complications of Covid-19 stage 5 but baby was well and alive. One neonate delivered by caesarian section was diagnosed to be Covid-19 positive. There was also one case delivered as breech assisted delivery, later succumbs to death due to lethal congenital abnormality (Covid negative). No staff were infected from handling Covid cases in this cohort. Conclusions: Pregnant women infected with Covid-19 had more interventions to ensure no cross contamination from mother to baby and to minimize exposure of medical staff involved. It is known that vaginal delivery cause more risk of airborne transmission towards newborn and medical staff involved while caesarian section offer more controlled environment but an increased risks of surgical and anaesthesia complications to the mother.