The Legacy of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Impact on Infant and Maternal and Health from an Appalachian Academic Medical Center.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The COVID-19 pandemic period from 2020 to 2022 had a significant impact on maternal infant health with mothers impacted more than their infants. We questioned whether there have been any lingering effects from the pandemic. METHODS: We examined intermediate and long-term pandemic effects on maternal and neonatal outcomes before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic period. We reviewed mother-infant pairs from the following three epochs (1) the pre-COVID-19 period, (2) the COVID-19 pandemic period, and (3) the post-pandemic period. The Case Mix Index (CMI) for the neonates from all three epochs were detailed. RESULTS: Post-pandemic, we noted a rising trend of LGA infants (10%) and an increase in SGA infants (13%). For women in 2023, we noted an increase in hypertension, preeclampsia, diabetes, and a higher BMI than in the pre-pandemic period. There have also been more congenital anomalies (9%), and neonatal CMI increased in the post-pandemic period. CONCLUSIONS: Well after the pandemic period, maternal-infant health continues to be affected. For women, the increase in hypertension and diabetes during pregnancy is concerning. For infants, being LGA or SGA may have long-term consequences. The post-pandemic increase in infants with congenital anomalies compared to the pre-pandemic era is an area that needs ongoing review.