Maternal and Fetal Outcomes of COVID-19 Pregnant Women Followed Up at a Tertiary Care Unit: A Descriptive Study

Background: The SARS-CoV-2 and associated corona virus disease COVID-19 have been declared a pandemic having a poor prognosis among individuals with debilitating conditions and those who are immune-compromised. Current evidence is however limited on maternal and fetal transmission and pregnancy outcomes. We aimed to describe the pattern of SARS-CoV-2 infection and outcomes in a group of pregnant women followed up at a tertiary care unit in Cameroon. Methods: This was an observational study conducted over a period of 3 months (April 1 to June 30, 2020) at the Yaounde Central Hospital. All pregnant women who were tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and who provided a signed written informed consent were included in the study. Results: Out of 83 pregnant women who presented with symptoms suspicious of COVID-19, 25 were tested positive. The median age of these women was 31 (27 - 35) years. A total of 76% consulted within 6 days of onset of symptoms and 68% had a gestational age greater than 28 weeks. The most common presenting complaint was fever (88%). All 25 pregnant women who were tested positive for COVID-19 were followed up with 9/25 deliveries registered. There were two intra-uterine fetal deaths and seven live births. All the live birth babies were tested negative on Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) testing which was performed after birth. Conclusion: Deliverance of live and SARS-CoV-2 negative babies from COVID-19 pregnant women is possible.