Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Pregnant Women Hospitalized With COVID-19: An Observational Study by Vaccination Status

Objective: To evaluate maternal and obstetric characteristics, presenting symptoms, and pregnancy outcomes in vaccinated versus unvaccinated groups of pregnant women hospitalized with a diagnosis of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19).
Methods: A total of 190 pregnancies hospitalized with a diagnosis of COVID-19 were included in this observational study and divided into two groups: vaccinated (n=82) and unvaccinated (n=108). Data on maternal and obstetric characteristics, presenting symptoms, radiological involvement, laboratory findings, need for oxygen or stay in the intensive care unit, and length of hospital stay were recorded. Pregnancy outcomes were evaluated using gestational week at diagnosis, gestational week at delivery, delivery due to COVID-19, fetal birthweight, and Apgar score.
Results: When compared with the vaccinated group, unvaccinated pregnant women COVID-19 were younger and had significantly lower rates of use of assisted reproductive technology, hypertensive disease, diabetes, coronary artery disease, and asthma. Unvaccinated women were more likely to present with dyspnea, fever, and chest pain, as well as radiological involvement and need for the intensive care unit. Gestational week at delivery, fetal birthweight, and Apgar scores were significantly lower, length of hospital stay was significantly longer, and the rate of delivery due to COVID-19 was significantly higher in the unvaccinated group versus the vaccinated group.
Conclusion: Our findings indicate a milder course of disease and a lower risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in vaccinated versus unvaccinated pregnant women diagnosed with COVID-19. Hence, our findings suggest that pregnant women should be counseled to receive the COVID-19 vaccine to prevent maternal and fetal risks related to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection.