Mother and baby deaths rise worldwide during Covid pandemic, study finds

The number of stillbirths and mothers dying during pregnancy or childbirth have risen worldwide during the coronavirus pandemic, a review has found.

Stillbirths and maternal mortality rates increased by up to one-third because of a drop in available maternity services and because women were more reluctant to get medical help for fear of catching Covid-19, researchers have said.

The analysis of data from dozens of studies in 17 countries found pregnancy outcomes for mothers and babies were especially worse in low- and middle-income nations.

Mental health has also declined during the pandemic, with six out of 10 studies showing an increase in postnatal depression, maternal anxiety or both.

The peer-reviewed analysis, published in The Lancet Global Health journal, said the chances of having a stillbirth had increased by more than one-quarter.

Read more:

Two studies from India and Mexico, defined as middle-income countries, suggested the risk of mothers dying during pregnancy or childbirth had increased by more than one-third in those nations.

In high-income countries, the odds of a premature birth fell by almost 10 per cent during the pandemic, but were unchanged in low- and middle-income countries. The report authors said changes in healthcare delivery and population behaviours were key factors.

Overall, outcomes were worse in low- and middle-income countries than high-income countries, prompting the researchers to call for action to preserve safe maternity care worldwide.

Asma Khalil, lead author of the study, of St George’s University of London, said: “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.

“We urge policymakers and healthcare leaders to prioritise safe, accessible, and equitable maternity care within the strategic response to the pandemic and aftermath.”

The researchers said the increase in deaths may be driven by pressures on healthcare systems, rather than lockdowns.

Jogender Kumar, of the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, in India, who was not involved in the study, said: “In resource-poor countries, even under normal circumstances, it is a challenge to provide adequate coverage for antenatal check-ups, obstetric emergencies, universal institutional deliveries, and respectful maternity care. The pandemic has widened this gap.”