Abstract
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to review the characteristics and outcomes of the newborns of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infected pregnant women. We conducted an online bibliographic search using the following electronic databases: MEDLINE via PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central. Studies were deemed eligible if they recruited newborns from mothers with confirmed COVID-19 and reported the perinatal outcomes of neonatal COVID-19 cases. A total of 20 studies were included. Neonates born to mothers with positive COVID-19 results have been shown to have significantly lower birth weights (mean difference, MD = -48.54 g, p = 0.04), increased risks of fetal distress (odds ratio, OR = 1.76, p < 0.00001), respiratory distress (OR = 1.96, p = 0.006), premature birth (OR = 2.08, p < 0.00001), neonatal death (OR = 2.20, p = 0.004), and a lower 5-minute Apgar score (OR = 1.44, p = 0.02). Additionally, they were more likely to be admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) (OR = 2.25, p = 0.007) and test positive for COVID-19 themselves (OR = 9.88, p = 0.03). However, other parameters, such as risks for malformations, mechanical ventilation, hypoglycemia, and sepsis, appeared to be comparable between the two groups. Maternal infection with COVID-19 during pregnancy is associated with several neonatal outcomes, some of which are adverse and others that do not show significant deviation from norms. While our meta-analysis clearly illustrates heightened risks associated with premature birth, reduced neonatal weight, and other challenges, it also emphasizes that not all neonatal outcomes can be directly attributed to maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection.