Clinical Report: Changes in Perinatal Outcomes in Manitoba, Canada
Overview
This study evaluates the impact of COVID-19 pandemic measures on perinatal outcomes in Manitoba, revealing an increase in preterm birth and caesarean delivery rates during the pandemic. Some outcomes remained stable.
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted healthcare services, raising concerns about its effects on perinatal outcomes such as preterm birth, stillbirth, and low birth weight. Previous studies have shown conflicting results regarding the pandemic's influence on these outcomes.
Data Highlights
Outcome
Pre-pandemic (%)
During pandemic (%)
Relative Change (%)
p-value
Preterm Birth
8.0
9.1
19.0
<0.01
Low Birth Weight
5.5
6.3
13.9
0.05
Caesarean Delivery
Not specified
24.6 (relative increase)
Not specified
<0.01
Breastfeeding Initiation
82.5
81.8
-3.9
0.01
NICU Admissions
8.3
8.2
Not significant
0.69
Key Findings
Preterm birth rates increased from 8% to 9.1% during the pandemic (p<0.01).
Low birth weight rates rose from 5.5% to 6.3% (p=0.05).
Caesarean delivery rates increased by 24.6% during the first year of the pandemic (p<0.01).
Breastfeeding initiation rates decreased from 82.5% to 81.8% (p=0.01).
No significant changes were observed in stillbirth or NICU admission rates.
Income stratification showed a 27.1% increase in preterm birth in lower-income groups (p=0.01).
Clinical Implications
Healthcare providers should be aware of the increased rates of preterm birth and caesarean deliveries during the pandemic.
Conclusion
The study highlights the changes in perinatal outcomes during the pandemic.
by Laila Aboulatta, Kaarina Kowalec, Lisa M Lix, Mina Tadrous, Joseph A Delaney, Christine Leong, Jamie Falk, Silvia Alessi-Severini, Christina Raimondi, Katherine Kearns, Lara Haidar, Payam Peymani, Qier Tan, Sherif Eltonsy
