Clinical characteristics of pregnant women with COVID-19 in Japan: a
nationwide questionnaire survey
Abstract
Abstract Objective: To describe the clinical characteristics and
outcomes of pregnant women with coronavirus disease (COVID‑19) on a
national scale in Japan. Design: A nationwide questionnaire-based survey
forwarded to all 2185 maternity services in Japan. Setting: A total of
1418 obstetric units that responded (65% of all delivery institutions
in Japan). Population: Pregnant women with COVID-19 diagnosed between
January and June 2020. Methods: Data were extracted from the
questionnaire results. Main outcome measures: Incidence of pregnant
women with COVID-19 and infant infection, positive rate of the universal
screening test for asymptomatic pregnant women, identification of
infection route, and rates of maternal death, severe cases, and
caesarean sections. Results: Seventy-two pregnant women were reported to
be diagnosed with COVID-19. The positive rate of the universal screening
test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)
for asymptomatic pregnant women was 0.03% (2/7428). The most common
route of infection was familial (57%). Fifty-eight pregnant women with
COVID-19 were symptomatic; of whom five (8.6%) had a severe infection
and one patient died (a tourist). Severe respiratory symptoms, oxygen
administration, and pneumonia were frequently reported in the third
trimester and postpartum period compared to early pregnancy (22.2% vs.
2.5% [p=0.03], 38.9% vs. 7.5% [p=0.01], and 50.0% vs. 7.5%
[p<0.01], respectively). All pregnant women with COVID-19
underwent caesarean section, regardless of symptoms. There was no
SARS-CoV-2 transmission to the newborns. Conclusion: The importance of
infection prevention should be emphasized, especially in pregnant women,
their families, and their roommates during late pregnancy.