Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

November 18, 2020

Singleton Preterm Birth Rates for Racial and Ethnic Groups during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic in California

Category:

Topic:

Keywords (Tags): ,

In California, the lockdown in response to the COVID-19 pandemic was not associated with changes in the overall rate of pre-term birth (<37 weeks), although there was an increase in the rate of birth at less than 32 weeks. During a 4-month period following the state-wide COVID-19 lockdown in California in March, 2020, there was no significant change in the  rate  of birth at less than 37 weeks gestation) compared to the same 4-month period aggregated over 2016-2019 (74% vs. 73%, OR=1.0, p=0.4). The rate of preterm birth at 28-32 weeks gestation showed an 11% increase (11% vs. 6%, OR=1.1, p=0.004), mostly observed among women who identify as Hispanic or Latinx population. 

Main et al. (Oct 22, 2020). Singleton Preterm Birth Rates for Racial and Ethnic Groups during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic in California. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2020.10.033