Stillbirth during a pandemic: a retrospective cohort study in a high-risk population

ABSTRACT

Objective: To examine the rate of stillbirth in a high-risk population at a single institution during the initial twelve months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Study Design: Stillbirths, defined as fetal demise at 20 weeks gestation or greater, were identified during the study period and compared to total deliveries at the institution. Seventy-six stillbirths were identified, 26 in the prepandemic cohort and 50 in the pandemic cohort. Demographic and pregnancy information for each stillbirth dyad was extracted by chart review. Patient outcomes were compared between the prepandemic cohort and the pandemic cohort. Result(s) The rate of stillbirth in the pandemic cohort was 19.3 per 1000 versus the prepandemic cohort rate of 8.9 per 1000 (p < 0.001). The pandemic cohort established prenatal care at a later gestational age (p = 0.049), was less likely to have adequate prenatal care (p=0.013) and was less likely to have established care with a maternal-fetal medicine specialist (p = 0.025). Conclusion(s) Stillbirths increased significantly at a tertiary care center in a high-risk population during the initial twelve months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings suggest a relationship between inadequate prenatal care and perinatal outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Disclosure No Copyright © 2022