Coronavirus pandemic led to avoidable deaths of pregnant women and their babies: study
- Data from an analysis of 40 studies published during the last year across 17 countries found rates of stillbirth and maternal mortality increased by a third
- Pregnant women reduced their care-seeking because of the fear of infection, according to a Lancet report
Data from an analysis of 40 studies published during the last year across 17 countries found rates of stillbirth and maternal mortality increased by a third. Outcomes were worse in low- and middle-income countries, according to a report on Wednesday in The Lancet medical journal.
The increases may be driven by the pressure Covid-19 put on health systems rather than measures aimed at limiting the spread of the virus, such as lockdowns, the researchers said. Studies from individual countries suggested pregnant women reduced their care-seeking because of the fear of infection, as well as reduced provision of maternity services.
“It is clear from our study and others that the disruption caused by the pandemic has led to the avoidable deaths of both mothers and babies, especially in low- and middle-income countries,” said Asma Khalil, lead author of the study at St. George’s University of London.
The meta-analysis included studies from countries including Botswana, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, India, Israel, Mexico, Nepal, the UK and the US.
