COVID-19 and maternal and perinatal outcomes

The International Stillbirth Alliance and the Stillbirth CRE welcomes the systematic review by Barbara Chmielewska and colleagues (June, 2021), particularly its inclusion of stillbirths, because these are often missing from the global agenda. The 28% increased pooled odds in reported stillbirth during the COVID-19 pandemic is concerning. We wish to highlight some data limitations that will impede action to reduce these preventable deaths.

We hope that this concerning review encourages policy makers and health-care leaders to champion a comprehensive, consistent approach to the quality of care and monitoring of perinatal outcomes, along with the improved registration and reporting of stillbirths that this requires.

Read more of the review in The Lancet Global Health.