Incidence and Characteristics of Deliveries During COVID-19 Epidemic Lockdown

Background: In this study, we assessed the incidence of hospital deliveries and associated maternal and neonatal outcomes during the Coronavirus disease pandemic lockdown, March 10th-May 12th, 2020 (Co19) as compared to the exact period a year before March 10th-May 12th, 2019 (preCo19).Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single tertiary center in Israel. Maternal, labor and neonatal outcomes between the two epochs were compared.Result: During the study epochs, 5002 deliveries were attended; 2343 (46.8%) in the Co19 and 2665 (53.2%) in the pre-Co19; an overall decrease of 13.7% p<0.01. In the Co19 epoch we observed an increase in the induction rate; 15.5% vs. 12.8%, p=0.02, in cesarean delivery rate; 12.6% vs. 11.8%, p<0.01 and a decrease in the instrumental deliveries rate; 6.8% vs. 15.4%, p<0.01. Adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes did not differ significantly between the epochs.Conclusion: We observed a decline in the overall hospital deliveries with an increased operative delivery rate; probably a reflection of the pandemic decision-making process; however not translated into significant changes in the maternal and neonatal outcomes.Funding: None to declare. Declaration of Interest: None to declareEthical Approval: This study was approved with number: IRB 35520 SZMC