Changes in the rate of preterm infants during the COVID-19 pandemic Lockdown Period—data from a large tertiary German University Center

• DOI: 10.1007/s00404-023-07048-y
• Publication Date: 2023-05-25T17:01:47Z
• Authors: Maria Delius; Thomas Kolben; Claudia Nußbaum; Viktoria Bogner-F...; Antonia Delius; Laura Hahn; Johanna Buechel; Uwe Hasbargen; Andreas W. Flemmer; Sven Mahner; Linda Hertlein
• Keywords: Pandemic; 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak; Center (category theory); Tertiary care

Abstract Purpose After living with the COVID-19 pandemic for more than 2 years, impact of lockdown measures on preterm birth rates is inconsistent according to data from different countries. In this study, preterm-born infants during time COVID-19-related lockdowns were analyzed in a tertiary perinatal center at Munich University, Germany. Methods We number births, infants, and stillbirths before 37 weeks gestation German period compared same periods years 2018 2019 combined. Additionally, we expanded analysis Pre- Post-Lockdown Periods 2020 respective control 2019. Results Our database shows reduction rate (18.6%) combined (23.2%, p = 0.027). This was mainly based reduced multiples (12.8% vs. 28.9%, 0.003) followed by reversed effect showing threefold rise multiple births after lockdown. singletons, not The affected as (0.9% 0.7%, 0.750). Conclusion During period, found our large University Center Due predominant multiples, postulate that less physical activity might have led protective measures.