Changes in obstetric interventions and preterm birth during COVID-19: A nationwide study from Iceland.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Previous evidence has been conflicting regarding the effect of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic lockdowns on obstetric intervention and preterm birth rates. The literature to date suggests potentially differential underlying mechanisms based on country economic setting. We aimed to study these outcomes in an Icelandic population where uniform lockdown measures were implemented across the country.

Material and methods

The study included all singleton births (n = 20 680) during 2016-2020 identified from the population-based Icelandic Medical Birth Register. We defined two lockdown periods during March-May and October-December in 2020 according to government implemented nationwide lockdown. We compared monthly rates of cesarean section, induction of lab

SUBMITTER: Einarsdottir K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8444658 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature