CHALLENGES, CHANCES & CHANGES WITH OBSTETRIC CO- MORBIDITIES IN PREGNANT WOMEN WITH COVID-19

Introduction:Covid 19 pandemic had a significant impact on peoples lives all over the world, and pregnant women are one of the most vulnerable groups of population more so with obstetric comorbidities.

Aim: To study the association of obstetrical co-morbid conditions and the course of covid 19 infection in pregnant women.

Methods: It is a cross-sectional, quantitative observational study carried out atKingGeorgeHospital,Andhra Medical College,Visakhapatnam. Study participants were women diagnosed with covid 19 infection who were admitted  at CSR block, King George Hospital during the period April 2021-October 2021. ICU admissions, maternal mortality in women with covid 19 infection, and their association with obstetrical co morbidities were studied.

Results:Among 392 hospitalized pregnant women with covid19 diagnosis,122 were asymptomatic at the time of admission.Majority of patients were in age group between 21-30yrs .60 women had obstetric comorbidities like preeclampsia, obesity, and GDM.. Preeclampsia accounted for6.1% of the population in the study,GDM for 3.6%, and obesity for 5.6%.Of all individuals, 48 (12.2%)were admitted in Intensive Care Unit,35 women required invasive mechanical ventilation and 24 deaths were reported which accounts to 6.1%.Obesity was found to have a significant association with covid 19 morbidity and mortality in this study,where as no significant association was found with other obstetric comorbid conditions such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.

Conclusions:Though all three comorbid conditions contributed to morbidity such as ICU admissions and deaths, obesity alone showed a statistically significant association with maternal morbidity and mortality.Identification of risk factors during hospitalisation is therefore crucial for directing preventative measures and initiate appropriate treatment.