Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

July 10, 2020

Change in the Incidence of Stillbirth and Preterm Delivery During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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  • Khalil et al. found that the incidence of stillbirth was significantly higher during the COVID-19 pandemic than prior (9.31 per 1000 births vs 2.38 per 1000 births, p=0.01) at St. George’s University Hospital, London even though none of the mothers were known be infected with SARS-CoV-2. The authors hypothesize that the increase in stillbirth could be directly due to SARS-CoV-2 in asymptomatic women who were not tested for infection or it could be due to indirect effects, such as reluctance to seek medical care for situations including reduced fetal movements. 

Khalil et al. (July 10, 2020). Change in the Incidence of Stillbirth and Preterm Delivery During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JAMA. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2020.12746