Effect of a Nutrition Education Intervention on Food Safety Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Mothers of Children under 5 Years in the Peri-Urban Areas of Bobo-Dioulasso: Before and after Study

Background: This study assessed the effect of a nutrition education intervention. This intervention aimed to improve the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of mothers on food safety in the peri-urban areas of Bobo-Dioulasso in Burkina Faso. Methods: A total of 243 mothers of children under 5 years in the peri-urban of Bobo-Dioulasso were administered the FAO questionnaire for food safety knowledge, attitudes, and practices assessment during two cross-sectional surveys, before and after the intervention, in January and October 2017. The intervention included two components consisting of a theoretical phase (counselling and discussion) and cooking demonstrations implemented for ten months. To account for the before-and-after design of the study, the McNemar’s test was used to assess the effect of the intervention on food safety KAP of mothers of children under 5 years. Results: The mean age of mothers was 29 ± 6.2 years and 50.6% of them were between 20 and 29 years old. One for knowledge (cooking thoroughly with, p-value = 0.0001) and another for attitudes (perceived benefits of reheating leftovers before eating them, p-value = 0.0001), significantly increased after the intervention. In terms of food safety practices, all the indicators (cleaning of dirty surfaces, plates and utensils and storage of perishable foods) significantly increased (all p = 0.0001 Conclusion: This study provided some evidence of an effective nutrition education intervention for improving maternal KAP on food safety for their child’s feeding.

Maternal Predictors for Quality of Life during the Postpartum in Brazilian Mothers

Introduction: The postpartum period can have a significant physical, emotional, and social impact on the quality of a woman’s life. Most postpartum research has focused on physical complications and only a few studies have specifically investigated quality of life. The purpose of this study was to explore predictors affecting the quality of life of postpartum Brazilian mothers. Study Design and Methods: A cross-sectional Quality of Life survey was performed in 210 Brazilian mothers during the early postpartum period. Data were collected using an interview technique and two instruments: 1) a maternal questionnaire and the 2) Maternal Postpartum Quality of Life tool/Brazilian version. The association between maternal characteristics and quality of life in the post-partum period was investigated with bivariate and multivariable analyses. Results: Mothers who had the best Quality of Life were white, registered students, 30 - 40 years of age, who were married or living with a partner, and without physical complaints;in addition, they had at least an 8th grade education, more than 4 children, and had attended more than 8 prenatal visits with a nurse. The stepwise model indicated that white race (p < 0.05) and married or living with a partner (p < 0.05) were the best predictors of Quality of Life in postpartum women. Conclusions and Clinical Implications: Marital status and race conditions may predict quality of life in postpartum Brazilian mothers. In addition, improved knowledge concerning the postpartum, maternal experience may help develop health interventions to enhance the quality of life of this population.

Meiotic chromosome preparation techniques of pollen mother cells for laser micro-dissection in Populus spp.

In order to isolate meiotic chromosomes of Populus species meiotic chromosome preparation techniques of pollen mother cells for laser micro-dissection were studied. Pollen mother cells at diakinesis ofPopulus canadensis Moench were used as samples. Two methods were used to prepare meiotic chromosomes： in the first, cell suspensions were dropped on polyethylene-naphthalate or polyester membrane slides which had just been incubated at -20~C; in the second method, cell suspensions were also dropped on polyethylene-naphthalate or polyester membrane slides, but spread with the aid of high temperatures. The cells did not completely spread by the first method and chromosomes at diakinesis could not be individually distinguished. In contrast, well-spread diakinesis chromosomes were obtained by the second method, where chromosomes, connected with their nucleolus, were successfully isolated with the laser micro-dissection system. As well, we discuss the prospect of applications of laser micro-dissection in cytogeneties and molecular genetics in Populus species.

A new peroral mother-baby endoscope system for biliary tract disorders

AIM: To investigate a new mother-baby system, consisting of a peroral cholangioscope and a duodenoscope in patients regarding its feasibility. METHODS: In the study period from January 2007 to February 2010, 76 consecutive patients(33 men, 43 women; mean age 63 years old) were included in this pilot series. Endoluminal images and biopsies were obtained from 55 patients with indeterminate strictures, while 21 patients had fixed filling defects. The diagnostic accuracy of peroral cholangioscopy(POCS) in the visualization of strictures and tissue sampling was evaluated, and therapeutic success was monitored. Followup was performed over at least 9 mo. RESULTS: A total of 55 patients had indeterminate strictures. Using the criteria "circular stenosis" and "irregular surface or margins", POCS correctly described 27 out of 28 malignant biliary strictures and 25 out of 27 benign lesions(sensitivity, 96.4%; specificity, 92.6%, diagnostic accuracy 94.5%). Visually targeted forceps biopsies were performed in 55 patients. Tissue sampling during POCS revealed malignancy in 18 of 28 cases(sensitivity: 64.3%). In 21 patients with fixed filling defects, 10 patients with bile duct stones were successfully treated with conventional stone removal. Nine patients with difficult stones(5 giant stones and 4 intrahepatic stones) were treated with visually guided laser lithotripsy. Two patients in the group with unclear fixed filling defects had bile duct adenoma or papillary tumors and were surgically treated. CONCLUSION: The new 95 cm POCS allows for accurate discrimination of strictures and fixed filling defects in the biliary tree, provides improved sensitivity of endoscopically guided biopsies and permits therapeutic approaches for difficult intrahepatic stones.

Mothers’ Knowledge of Health Caring for Premature Infants after Discharge from Neonatal Intensive Care Units in the Gaza Strip, Palestine

Background: Preterm labor is one of the most public health problems related to neonates admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Poor knowledge among mothers about the care requirements of a preterm neonate is immediate cause for post-discharge medical problems in premature and neonates readmission to NICU. Hence, this study aims to evaluate mothers’ knowledge of caring for premature infants post-discharge from Neonatal Intensive Care Units in the Gaza strip. Methods: A Quantitative-based cross-sectional designs study was used to survey 120 mothers of preterm neonates at the time of preterm neonates discharge by face-to-face interview at Al-Shifa medical complex and Nasser hospital between February and June 2018. Results: The results showed that only about 58.4% of mothers of premature babies had good knowledge about health care needed for premature infants after discharge from NICU. Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference between the level of knowledge and mother’s sociodemographic characteristics (P-values > 0.05). Conclusion: Mothers’ knowledge of premature infants care was not at the optimal level, which might put the newborns at risk. Therefore, the study emphasizes the necessity of thoughtful exchange of health information between team members and mothers and establishing pre- and post-discharge plans with mothers to start their healthy transition of preterm neonate to home and to ameliorate family concerns.

Predictors of readiness for discharge in mothers of preterm infants: The role of stress, self-efficacy and perceived social support

Objective:To determine the predictive role of stress,self-efficacy,and perceived social support on readiness for discharge in mothers of preterm infants.Methods:The present cross-sectional,descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 120 mothers of preterm infants admitted to hospitals affiliated to Lorestan University of Medical Sciences,Iran in 2019.Participants were selected by a convenience sampling method and based on inclusion criteria.Data collection tools included the demographic questionnaire of mothers and infants,parent perceptions of their child's hospital discharge,parental stressor scale:neonatal intensive care unit,perceived maternal parenting,and multidimensional scale of perceived social support.Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and stepwise regression at the significance level of 0.05.Results:Infant behavior and appearance,situational belief,and family support achieved the highest mean score from parents'stress,self-efficacy,and perceived social support dimensions,respectively.There was a significant relationship between stress,self-efficacy,and perceived social support with readiness for discharge in mothers of preterm infants(P<0.001).The score of mothers'readiness for discharge decreased by 0.07 per 1-point increase in stress score,and the score of readiness for discharge in mothers of preterm infants rose by 0.35 and 0.43,respectively,for a unit increase in the scores of self-efficacy and perceived social support.Conclusions:Stress,self-efficacy,and perceived social support can be considered as predictors of readiness for discharge in mothers of preterm infants.It is suggested that nurses in neonatal intensive care units provide a better platform for the readiness for discharge in mothers of preterm infants by reducing stressors and increasing maternal self-efficacy and social support.

Study on Filtration Performance of Silica/ Alumina Slurry in the Process of Recycling Mother Liquor of NaY Zeolite

In order to recover the SiO_2 contained in the mother liquor in the course ofNaY zeolite synthesis to minimize pollution, the influence of various preparation conditions on thefiltering velocity of gel slurry was studied using the SiO_2/Al_2O_3 gel recovered from the NaYmother liquor in the laboratory. The results of study had shown that at a SiO_2/Al_2O_3 ratio in thefeed equating to 9∶1 the SiO_2 recovery rate and Al_2O_3 utilization rate were high with a fasterflow velocity of the filtrate. The pH value of the system had great impact on the flow velocity offiltrate. Between the two methods for regulating the pH value, the one for formation ofsilica/alumina gel slurry by addition of sulfuric acid prior to adding aluminium sulfate in thesolution could secure a faster filtration velocity. The filtration velocity was decreased in tandemwith increasing SiO_2 concentration in mother liquor, meanwhile an increase in dry filter cakeyield.

Cylindrical Guided Wave Signals for Underground Pipe Inspection using Different Continuous Wavelet Mother Functions

Over the past decade, wavelets provided a powerful and flexible set of tools for handling fundamental problems in science and engineering. Wavelet analyses are being used for solving problems in different engineering areas like audio de-noising, signal compression, object detection, image decomposition, speech recognition etc. Wavelet analysis employs orthonormal as well as non-orthonornal functions. This research investigates the effectiveness of wavelet analysis in detecting defects in underground steel pipe networks. Continuous Wavelet Transforms （CWT） has been performed on the received signals of cylindrical guided waves. Cylindrical Guided waves are generated and propagated through the pipe wall boundaries in a pitch-catch system. Piezo-electric transducers are used to generate as well as receive guided waves. Several mother wavelet functions such as Daubechies, Symlet, Coiflet and Meyer have been used for the Continuous Wavelet Transform to investigate the most suitable function for defect detection. This research also investigates the effect of surrounding soil on wavelet transforms for different mother wavelet functions.

Assessment of Mothers’ Oral Health Knowledge: Towards Oral Health Promotion for Infants and Children

Aim: To assess the knowledge and oral health practices of a selected population of mothers in order to develop appropriate oral health promotion program for children in the area. Method: A cross sectional study was carried out among a convenient sample of mothers who attended two well-baby clinics—a tertiary and a primary health care centre in Lagos, Nigeria. A questionnaire requesting personal information, previous exposure to and source of oral health education (OHE), knowledge of oral health, diet and oral hygiene practices was administered. Results: There were 104 participants, aged 21 - 46 years (mean 32.01 ± 4.85 years);58.7% had received OHE, 23.1% from electronic media, 22.1% dentist and 9.6%, doctor or nurse. Only 44 (42.3%) had attended the dentist, 5 (4.8%) in <1 year and 10 (9.6%) within 1 - 2 years. Most younger mothers, compared with older mothers had knowledge of fluoride (x2 = 8.51, p = 0.014). Only 44 (42.3%) and 20 (19.2%) respectively believed the type of baby food and supplement affect the child’s teeth. Conclusion: Participants in this study showed inadequate knowledge of preventive oral health care. Regular OHE is recommended for mothers at the well baby and immunization clinics where they can be easily reached by health professionals.

Lifestyle Adjustment Process to Maintain Family Life for Mothers with Children Who Need Home Medical Care

This aim is to clarify lifestyle adjustment process to maintain family life for mothers with children who need home medical care. We conducted semi-structured interviews with the mothers of children who required home medical care comprising procedures such as suction of sputum and respiratory management over a period of several years since the initiation of home medical care, and analyzed the results using the modified grounded theory approach (M-GTA). We found the process to be composed of nine categories. Immediately after their child who required home medical care began living at home, mothers were concerned about the protection of their unstable child and, therefore, made care of the child a priority. However, they gradually started experiencing the need to engage services for the child in the course of their daily lives and live their lives with assistance. In the course of this new lifestyle, mothers began to regulate their fluctuating feelings and discover a new lifestyle for the family by making the father’s role clear and having him take on some responsibilities, such as dealing with people outside the household. As a result, once making home medical care consistent with the family’s lifestyle, even if this care was not at the same level as that provided while the child was hospitalized, mothers felt they found a way that allowed them to spend time with their other children. In addition, they began to perceive the necessity of maintaining their health, which is crucial to the child’s care. Overall, this facilitated incorporation of prospects for the family’s future life because they tended to pay more attention to their health and the health of their other children. Further, this contributed in coordination of the selection of services that would benefit the entire family, thereby maintaining the family’s lifestyle.

Optimal mother wavelet-based Lamb wave analyses and damage detection for composite structures

With the purpose of on-line structural health monitoring,a transducer network was embedded into compos- ite structure to minimize the influence of surroundings.The intrinsic dispersion characteristic of Lamb wave makes the wavelet transform an effective signal processing method for guided waves.To get high precision in feature extrac- tion,an information entropy-based optimal mother wavelet selection approach was proposed,which was used to choose the most appropriate basis function for particular Lamb wave analysis.By using the embedded sensor network and extracting time-of-flight,delamination in the composite laminate was identified and located.The results demon- strate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.

Give Full Play to Foreign Teachers' Mother Tongue Promote A Variety of Teaching Activities

本文从教学的角度总结了我系聘请外籍教师任教以来的教学工作,分析了本族语教师教授英语的优势,客观上对学生产生的影响,我们必须利用外籍教师的母语优势,合理安排课程,给他们提供必需的人力和物力,开展多种教学活动;必须加强中外教师的合作,互相学习,交流经验,共同开展课外活动,巩固课内教学效果,挖掘外教的潜力,以达到提高英语教学水平的目的。

The Influence of Individual Determinants on Adherence to Feeding Guidelines for Infants Born to HIV Positive Mothers in Rakai District

Introduction: In Uganda, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) was first reported at Kasensero landing site in Rakai district, in the South Western region in 1982. The district has continued to experience high HIV rates at 12% compared to the national average of 7.3% with relatively higher vertical transmission rates. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the individual determinants of adherence to feeding guidelines for infants born to HIV positive mothers in Rakai District, Uganda. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used with a sample size of 138 respondents and employing quantitative method of enquiry. A non-probability sampling strategy called consecutive sampling was used to sample the mothers with HIV. Data were analyzed using SPSS to generate descriptive and bivariate analysis data. Results: Individual determinants found to have a statistically significant influence to feeding guidelines for infants born to mothers living with HIV were: Age (X2 = 45.967, P-value = 0.000), Number of children (X2 = 93.069, P-value = 0.000), Number of children given birth to since diagnosis (X2 = 18.604, P-value = 0.000), income per month (X2 = 50.477, P-value = 0.000), ever had breast complication (X2 = 15.039, P-value = 0.000), disclosure of HIV status (X2 = 10.740, P-value = 0.001), quantity of breast milk produced (X2 = 10.637, P-value = 0.0005) and whether mothers attended antenatal care services (X2 = 38.613, P-value = 0.000). Conclusion: Age, Number of Children, Number of Children given birth to since diagnosis, breast complications, disclosure of HIV status, quantity of breast milk produced and utilization of antenatal care services were found to have an association with the adherence to feeding guidelines among HIV positive mother and this was statistically significant. Recommendation: General improvement of socio-economic status of the mothers should be done and be given priority so that in turn it will enable the women to adequately focus on maintaining optimum and the health of their children.

Prevalence, Aetiology, Maternal and Neonatal Outcome of Term Mothers with Anaemia, Presenting to a Tertiary Care Unit for Confinement in Sri Lanka

Objective: To describe the proportion of women presenting with undiagnosed anaemia at confinement and to explore associations between anaemia and socio economic factors, dietary pattern and compare maternal and neonatal outcome among term mothers with anaemia compared to non-anaemic pregnant women at a tertiary care centre in Sri Lanka. Method: A comparative cross-sectional study was performed by recruiting anaemic and non-anaemic term mothers who delivered at the Teaching Hospital Peradeniya during the period March 2018-March 2019. Pregnant mothers whose haemoglobin level was less than 10.5 g/dl were considered as anaemic and compared with the mothers whose haemoglobin level was above this level. With written consent, demographic data, etiological factors, maternal and neonatal outcomes of term mothers were evaluated by an interview and blood samples were withdrawn to carry out anaemia related investigations. Results: Among 2854 pregnancies, a total of 234 (8.19%) term pregnant mothers were anaemic and they were and compared with 199 non-anaemic mothers. Out of the anaemic mothers (Hb < 105 g/l), 133 (56.76%) had moderate anaemia, 100 (42.79%) had mild anaemia and 1 mother (0.45%) had severe anaemia. Low monthly family income was significantly associated with the incidence of anaemia. Anaemia was also associated with low weekly consumption of red meat (OR 8.994;95% CI, 5.74 - 14.09, p < 0.05) and high weekly tea intake (OR 0.217;95% CI 0.144 - 0.327, p < 0.05). Among anaemic mothers, 215 (67.44%) had low serum ferritin (<30 ng/mL) while most of them were diagnosed with iron deficiency anaemia (58.24%) (n = 113) based on haemoglobin. Most anaemic mothers had undergone elective caesarean section (46.26%) while vaginal deliveries (33.33%) were common among non-anamic group. Conclusions: A moderate prevalence of anaemia among term pregnant women in Peradeniya, Sri Lanka was observed and was associated with low socio economic status, low consumption of tea and poor nutrition lacking in red meat.

Experiences of Midwives for Caring Unbooked Pregnant Mothers in a Maternity Unit at a District Hospital in the Eastern Cape Province

Background: South Africa struggles to improve maternal health outcomes resulting to its failure to achieve millennium development goal for maternal health. Non-utilisation of antenatal health services by pregnant mothers is the leading cause of unbooked cases that complicate the labour stages. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to explore the experiences of midwives for caring unbooked pregnant women in a maternity unit at a district hospital in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Design and Methods: A phenomenological approach was adopted in this study. Specifically, a descriptive phenomenological deign was used to explore midwives’ experiences for caring unbooked pregnant women in maternity ward of a district hospital on six (6) purposively selected midwives. In this study, the researcher utilised individual, semi structured phenomenological interviews to collect data from midwives caring for unbooked pregnant mothers in a maternity unit. Data saturation was reached after carrying out the six interviews. These interviews were audio taped and transcribed verbatim and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis framework steps method of qualitative data was applied to analyse the collected data. Results: Three thematic categories emerged from data analysis: 1) Experiences of midwives, which interfered with emotional challenges leading to fear and anxiety. Experiences of midwives were also associated with shortage of midwives and leading to maternal incidences. 2) Caring for unbooked pregnant mothers interfered with incompetency and inexperienced midwives and reported a lack of debriefing. 3) Support system which was seen as lacking from managers. Conclusion: The study recommended collaboration with primary health care clinics including community leaders, and employment of highly skilled professionals and in-service trainings of the current midwives to minimise unnecessary incidences.

Implementation and Evaluation of a Postpartum Care Program for Mothers Raising Infants: A Pilot Study

Background: The aims of this pilot study were to implement and evaluate a postpartum care program for mothers raising children younger than one year to provide physical relaxation, and to reduce mothers’ parenting problems. Methods: A day-service and group-type postpartum care program was implemented with the aim of interacting with peers, promoting local communication, and relaxing mothers. Results: Forty-five pairs of mothers and infants participated in the study. Most of the mothers experienced relaxation, communicated with each other, resolved physical problems, reduced childcare concerns, and developed parenting friends. Conclusions: In addition, feasibility was assured as they were very satisfied with the content of programs such as baby massage and aroma treatment.

Effect of a Nutrition Education Intervention on Mothers’ Infant and Young Child Feeding Knowledge and Practices in the Peri-Urban Areas of Bobo-Dioulasso: Before and after Study

Background: This study assessed the effect of a nutrition education intervention aiming to improve the knowledge and practices of under 5 years children’s mothers on infant and young child feeding in peri urban areas of Bobo-Dioulasso in Burkina Faso. Methods: A total of 243 mothers of children under 5 years in the peri-urban of Bobo-Dioulasso were surveyed before and after the intervention using the FAO questionnaire for infant and young child feeding (IYCF) knowledge and practices assessment in January and October 2017. The intervention included two components consisting of a theoretical phase (counselling and discussion) and cooking demonstrations implemented for ten months. To account for the before-and-after design of the study, the McNemar’s test was used to assess the effect of the intervention on mothers’ infant and young child feeding knowledge and practices. Results: The mean age of mothers was 29 ± 6.2 years and 50.6% of the mothers were between 20 and 29 years old. All indicators used to assess the mothers’ knowledge of breastfeeding and complementary feeding significantly improved after the intervention (all p-values < 0.05). In terms of child feeding practices, half of the indicators (early breastfeeding initiation, age of complementary feeding initiation, and minimum meal frequency) significantly increased (all p = 0.001) while two indicators (minimum dietary diversity, and minimum acceptable diet) did not change (p = 0.06 and 0.67) after the intervention. Finally, continued breastfeeding, significantly declined after the intervention (73.3% vs 86.0% p = 0.001). Conclusion: The intervention improved the mothers’ knowledge on breastfeeding and complementary feeding and some child feeding practices. This study provided some evidence of an effective nutrition education intervention to increase maternal knowledge and practices.

Observation of mother-perpetrated infanticide in golden takins(Budorcas taxicolor bedfordi)

DEAR EDITOR,Infanticide by unrelated individuals is widely reported in the animal kingdom;however,little is known about cases perpetrated by a parent,particularly the mother.This article reports on three cases of mother-initiated infanticide in Qinling golden takins(Budorcas taxicolor bedfordi)from video and camera images.Based on previous reports in other animals,we propose that the infanticide events observed in golden takins were related to the parental manipulation mechanism-i.e.

Redesign of Functional <i>Kaba</i>(Blouse) Apparel for Ghanaian Breastfeeding Mothers

Kaba is considered to be a kind of traditional apparel worn by the women in Ghana. Though, it’s worn to accentuate female modesty, chastity and elegance among the women folks. The modern day woman faces a lot of physical and emotional challenges when it comes to breastfeeding. There is a need to redesign and improve upon the kaba apparel for breastfeeding purposes. This study, therefore, sought to redesign functional kaba apparel for breastfeeding mothers. Based on the apparel design framework of Lamb and Kallal, design requirements were identified from breastfeeding mothers and incorporated into the designed apparel. Five prototype designs were made and tested by three selected mothers towards effective breastfeeding. Findings revealed that the prototype apparels made of fasteners and openings in the horizontal, diagonal and vertical directions with zippers and buttons were said to be suitable, comfortable to use and hence acceptable for implementation. This added functional part of the apparel boosted the comfort and confidence of the mother without compromising on their expressive values.

The Clinical Features and Outcomes of Four Neonates Born to Mothers with a Severe Form of COVID-19 and a Positive RT-PCR for SARS Co-V2 in Douala Gynaeco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital in Cameroon

Background: A novel viral respiratory disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is responsible for a worldwide pandemic. The effects of this new disease in pregnant women and newborns are actually not well known. Methods: We investigated the clinical features and outcomes of four neonates born to mothers with a severe form of COVID-19 and a positive RT-PCR for SARS Co-V2 in Douala Gynaeco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital (Cameroon) from April 20 to June 5, 2020. Results: All four mothers were symptomatic and had a positive RT-PCR for SARS CoV-2 from nasopharyngeal swab on admission. All of them delivered prematurely through cesarean section because of severe respiratory distress and one died shortly after delivery. The four premature male infants were born between 30 weeks and 35 weeks 2 days of gestation and had birth weights ranging from 1090 g to 2950 g. All infants had 1-minute Apgar scores that ranged from 7 to 8 and 5-minute Apgar scores varying between 8 and 9. They were isolated from their mothers immediately after birth and received formula feeding. Three of the four infants were tested using nasopharyngeal swab specimens for RT-PCR 24 to 48 hours after birth and were negative for COVID-19. All the infants were treated in a dedicated area at the neonatal care unit and presented with mild respiratory distress on admission with a Silverman score that varied between 2 and 4/10. During their hospitalization, all the infants also presented with jaundice and underwent phototherapy. Three of them had anemia with hemoglobin levels ranging from 105 to 123 g/L requiring for blood transfusion. The hospital stay varied between 3 and 48 days. Three infants were discharged healthy and one died. Conclusion: This case series suggests the possibility of poor maternal and neonatal outcomes in case of severe COVID-19 in mothers. It also suggests that severe COVID-19 in pregnant women may be a risk factor for prematurity for the newborns. It is crucial to screen pregnant women, to implement infection prevention, control measures and to provide close monitoring of neonates born to mothers with a severe form of COVID-19.