Dataset from Safety, Testing/Transmission, and Outcomes in Pregnancies with COVID-19 (STOP COVID-19)

Background: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the full impact of SARS-CoV-2 in pregnancy to inform testing strategies, examine the factors that impede testing during pregnancy, and use study data to devise implementation strategies that improve SARS-CoV-2 testing in pregnancy and prenatal care during the pandemic.

Materials/Methods: This study prospectively enrolled two cohorts of pregnant women: exposed (SARS-CoV-2 positive) and unexposed (SARS-CoV-2 negative as defined by antibody testing at the beginning of pregnancy, every trimester, and at delivery). Women who initially enrolled as unexposed but later tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, crossed over to the exposed cohort. Data were collected via surveys and semi-structured interviews from patients and providers, and the study assessed risk of preterm birth and mother-to-fetus SARS-CoV-2 transmission.

Outcome/Impact: This study filled knowledge gaps on the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection and current utilization of diagnostic testing in pregnancy. In addition, the study created implementation strategies to overcome barriers to testing, increase uptake, and promote acceptance and sustainability of testing. Furthermore, this study helped determine optimal testing strategies by examining the necessity of testing for asymptomatic disease, informed prenatal care plans by assessing the full impact of infection, and contributed to the ability to counsel women and create prenatal care plans if they were pregnant or considering pregnancy.