COVID-19 Pandemic Is Not Associated with an Increased Risk of Perinatal Mortality

Background: Limited data exists for perinatal mortalities during the current Covid pandemic. Higher rates have been reported in pregnant women unwell with covid-19. Some institutions have reported significantly higher rates of stillbirths in the absence of acute covid-19 infections. Lack of data from similar demographics makes it difficult to counsel women.Methods: comparative analysis of perinatal mortality in a large population group over 5 years during the same quarter as the covid-19 pandemic. Time period was from march to June period from 2016 to 2020. Comparison of neonatal admissions over a similar timeline was performed to evaluate the risk of morbidity in relation to intrapartum effects during the covid-19 period.Findings: There were 1,415 births during the pandemic in 2020 (1,396 singleton and 19 twins) and an average of 1527 for the same quarter over the previous 4 years. During the pandemic we had 3 perinatal mortalities which included 2 still births and 1 late fetal loss. None of the cases were related to acute Covid-19 infections. The stillbirth rate was 1.4 per 1000 births during the covid-19 period which is significantly lower than the 2.4 per 1000 births in the preceding 4 years.Interpretation: Steps taken to reduce the risk of missed antenatal care, in addition to education of pregnant women and staff did possibly prevent increase stillbirths in our pregnant population. This should hold us in good stead during any resurgence of Covid-19 infections. Larger studies in comparable populations are needed to verify these findings.Funding Statement: None.Declaration of Interests: There are no disclosures to report.Ethics Approval Statement: Not needed.