Clinical characteristics and pregnancy outcomes of women diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 in London’s most ethnically diverse borough: A cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION: It is unclear whether pregnant women from ethnic minority groups and with metabolic disorders are disproportionately affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection within deprived areas. No previous studies have compared pregnancy outcomes with an appropriate comparator group. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 32 women with SARS-CoV-2 compared to background departmental figures from the three months prior to the outbreak. Clinical characteristics were compared to the UK Obstetric Surveillance System report. RESULTS: Estimated incidence was 10 times the national average (50.3 vs 4.9 per 1000 maternities). Women from Black (OR, 95% CI: 3.01, 1.08–7.38) and Asian (OR, 95% CI: 2.68, 1.23–6.05) ethnic groups were over-represented; however, there was no association with metabolic disorders. Babies born to women diagnosed with coronavirus were more likely to be born premature, or by caesarean delivery, however there was no difference in birthweight centile for gestational age. CONCLUSION: Women from Black and Asian backgrounds are disproportionately affected, even within an area of high ethnic diversity. Mothers do not appear more severely affected than women nationally; however, babies are more likely to be born preterm, or by caesarean delivery, compared to usual departmental figures. It is unclear whether this is due to increased intervention or a direct result of coronavirus infection.