Midwives' personal and professional attitudes towards women's delivery choices, interventions and neonatal care.

OBJECTIVES: Caesarean section (CS) rates in middle- and high-income countries are rising partly due to maternal request. This study aimed to explore the personal and professional attitudes of midwives and nurses towards women's delivery choices, interventions and neonatal care. METHODS: Midwifery and nursing staff at the Coombe hospital were asked to complete a questionnaire concerning decisions for elective CS and neonatal care. The midwives' responses were divided into multiparous and nulliparous according to their own parity. RESULTS: Multiparae and nulliparae did not differ on their personal preferences for their own baby. Only 3% wanted an elective CS in a normal, healthy pregnancy but this increased to 80.2% when there was a breech presentation and 42% if the estimated fetal weight was >4.5 kg. These numbers and trends were very close to the midwives' professional recommendations under the same circumstances. The lower threshold for full resuscitation and ICU care was at 23 and 24 weeks gestation for both personal and professional recommendations. In the case of severely premature babies or babies with a poor prognosis, 54% stated that the approach to neonatal care was correct. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, midwives' professional views reflected what they would want for themselves and their babies. Only 3% recommended an elective CS in a normal, healthy pregnancy making it unlikely that midwives' attitudes are driving the rise in CS rates in Ireland.

Reducing maternal mortality: a 10-year experience at Mpilo Central Hospital, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

OBJECTIVES: Maternal mortality is one of the major Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the global health community. The aim of the SDG 3.1 is to reduce global maternal mortality ratio considerably by 2030. The objective of this study was to document the epidemiological trends in maternal mortality for Mpilo Central Hospital. METHODS: This was a 10 year retrospective study using readily available data from the maternity registers. The International Classification of Diseases-Maternal Mortality (ICD-MM) coding system for maternal deaths was used. RESULTS: The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) declined from 655 per 100,000 live births in 2011 to 203 per 100,000 live births by 2020. The commonest groups of maternal mortality during the period 2011-2020 were hypertensive disorders, obstetric haemorrhage, pregnancy-related infection, and pregnancies with abortive outcomes. There were 273 maternal deaths recorded in the period 2011-2015, and 168 maternal deaths in the period 2016-2020. There was also a decline in maternal deaths due to obstetric haemorrhage (53 vs. 34). Maternal deaths due to pregnancy-related infection also declined (46 vs. 22), as well as pregnancies with abortive outcomes (40 vs. 26). CONCLUSIONS: There was a 69% decline in the MMR over the 10 year period. The introduction of government interventions such as malarial control, the adoption of life-long Option B+ antiretroviral treatment for the pregnant women, the training courses of staff, and the introduction of strong clinical leadership and accountability were all associated with a significant decline in the causes of maternal deaths.

Impact of the fear of Covid-19 infection on intent to breastfeed; a cross sectional survey of a perinatal population in Qatar.

OBJECTIVES: Infection control measures during the Covid-19 pandemic have focused on limiting physical contact and decontamination by observing cleaning and hygiene rituals. Breastfeeding requires close physical contact and observance of hygienic measures like handwashing. Worries around contamination increase during the perinatal period and can be expressed as increase in obsessive compulsive symptoms. These symptoms have shown to impact breastfeeding rates. This study attempts to explore any relationship between the Covid-19 pandemic and perinatal obsessive-compulsive symptomatology and whether the Covid-19 pandemic has any impact on intent to breastfeed. METHODS: A cross sectional survey of perinatal women attending largest maternity centre in Qatar was carried out during the months of October to December 2020. Socio-demographic information, intent to breastfeed and information around obsessive compulsive thoughts around Covid-19 pandemic were collected using validated tools. RESULTS: 15.7% respondents report intent to not breastfeed. 21.4% respondents reported obsessive-compulsive symptoms. 77.3% respondents believed the biggest source of infection was from others while as only 12% of the respondents believed that the source of infection was through breastfeeding and 15.7% believed the vertical transmission as the main source of risk of transmission. CONCLUSIONS: The rates of Obsessive-compulsive symptoms were increased and the rates of intent to breastfeed were decreased when compared with pre pandemic rates. The obsessive-compulsive symptoms and the intent to not breastfeed were significantly associated with fear of infection to the new-born. Obsessive-compulsive symptoms were not significantly correlated with intent to breastfeed and can be seen as adaptive strategies utilized by women to continue breastfeeding in the context of fear of infection.

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in perinatal women: a cross sectional survey.

OBJECTIVES: To explore attitudes to COVID-19 vaccination among perinatal women. METHODS: A nationwide online, cross-sectional survey was conducted in Qatar from 15th October 2020 to 15th November 2020 with voluntary participation open to all adult residents. Of the respondents, the population group for this study comprised the 341 pregnant and breastfeeding participants. The survey utilized a composite questionnaire incorporating a validated instrument to measure vaccine attitudes. The responses were recorded and analysed with statistical analysis being performed with SPSS software. Outcome measures included intentions towards vaccination and potential factors influencing vaccine hesitancy (contextual factors, vaccine specific concerns and group/individual influences). RESULTS: Perinatal women exhibited a vaccine hesitancy rate of 25% towards COVID-19 immunisation. The main concerns of the group were of infection risks and main factor determining vaccine hesitancy was of vaccine specific safety concerns. Previous vaccine "acceptors" showed vaccine hesitancy to COVID-19 immunisation. A third of the group cited non availability of the vaccine as a concern. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 vaccine trials amongst pregnant and lactating women have lagged behind those for general populations and this has compounded concerns around safety in this special group. Perinatal women constitute a vulnerable group and play an important role in vaccination of wider family members. This study highlights the need for trials and data for COVID-19 vaccine in this group to be able to achieve appreciable numbers needed for herd immunity and ultimately control of the pandemic.

Antenatal survey of women's birthing choices in Qatar.

Objectives Attitudes towards labour care and women's choices for their preferred mode of delivery are documented in studies from the around the world, however less is known about women's birth choices in the Middle East. This study was designed with the aim of exploring beliefs and attitudes in this region. Methods Voluntary participation in an ethics-approved survey was offered to pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at Sidra Medicine from August 2018 to January 2019 with no exclusion criteria. Results Of the 346 respondents, 58.1% were Arabic and the remainder expatriates. This group composition allowed comparison between women native and non-native to the Gulf region. Arabic and non-Arabic women differed significantly in previous birth experiences: the Arabs had had more doctor-led deliveries (45 vs. 34%), epidurals (56.6 vs. 45%) and episiotomies (65.7 vs. 54%). 70.2% of the respondents chose a normal delivery as their preferred birth mode though a smaller majority of the Arabic subgroup did (63.2 %). 60.4% preferred delivery by doctors and longer hospital stays (47.6), more so Arabic participants (64.7 and 68.6 %). Significantly less Arabs, would choose husbands as birth partners (51.2 vs. 86.2%) and more expressed a gender preference for doctors. Other group choices are presented. Conclusions Though women in this region made comparable choices about mode of delivery as their Western counterparts, they demonstrated an expectation of a culturally distinct and more medicalized approach to care in labour. The findings highlight the need for further studies to inform regional obstetric care and health education interventions as well as tailoring maternity care services.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the perinatal mental health of women.

Objectives The physical health impact of the coronavirus disease infection (COVID-19) has received attention worldwide; however, data around the psychological impact of the pandemic is still emerging and little has been reported on psychological effects among vulnerable groups. This study was undertaken with the aim of studying the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions on perinatal mental health among women in Qatar. Methods A cross- sectional survey of women accessing maternity services in Qatar was carried out during the months of June and July 2020 at the local peak of the pandemic. Background data including relevant demographic details, pregnancy and mental health history, concerns, as well as helpful stress-reducing factors reported by women was collected. Depression and anxiety symptomatology was studied using the Patient Health Questionnaire Anxiety-Depression Scale (PHQ-ADS). Results The survey results revealed a high prevalence of anxiety and Depressive symptomatology (34.4 and 39.2% respectively), based on PHQ-ADS scoring. These rates appeared much higher than the reported pre-pandemic prevalence and were not affected by occupation, previous mental health problems or pregnancy complications. Women's most commonly reported concerns as well as coping factors are discussed. Conclusions Results indicate a marked increase in anxiety and depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic, among pregnant and puerperal individuals, who constitute a vulnerable group with respect to mental health morbidity. These findings can be used to inform public health interventions, among which, consideration should be given to routine mental health screening of vulnerable groups during major health crises.

Antenatal magnesium sulfate for fetal neuroprotection: a critical appraisal and systematic review of clinical practice guidelines.

Background Magnesium sulfate is an accepted intervention for fetal neuroprotection. There are some perceived differences in the international recommendations on the use magnesium sulfate for fetal neuroprotection in preterm labor. Content This systematic review analyses the available clinical guidelines for the use of magnesium sulfate for fetal neuroprotection and compares the recommendations, and assesses the quality of guidelines. This provides the consensus, differences and explores the areas for future collaborative research. We searched databases of PUBMED, EMBASE, COCHRANE, Web of Science, LILACS; and included the national and the international clinical practice guidelines. We included seven guidelines out of 227 search results. We evaluated the methodological quality of guidelines using the Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) tool and systematically extracted guideline characters, recommendation and supporting evidence base. Summary Five guidelines were of high quality and two were of moderate quality. One guideline achieved more than an 80% score in all the domains of AGREE II tool. All guidelines recommend use of magnesium sulfate for fetal neuroprotection. However, there are differences in other recommendations such as upper gestational age, dose, duration, repeating treatment and use of additional tocolytics. Outlook Future guidelines should include recommendations on all aspects of magnesium sulfate therapy for fetal neuroprotection. Future research and international collaboration should focus on areas where there are no international consensual recommendations.

Risk factors and classification of stillbirth in a Middle Eastern population: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the incidence of stillbirth, explore the associated maternal and fetal factors and to evaluate the most appropriate classification of stillbirth for a multiethnic population. METHODS: This is a retrospective population-based study of stillbirth in a large tertiary unit. Data of each stillbirth with a gestational age >/=24 weeks in the year 2015 were collected from electronic medical records and analyzed. RESULTS: The stillbirth rate for our multiethnic population is 7.81 per 1000 births. Maternal medical factors comprised 52.4% in which the rates of hypertensive disorders, diabetes and other medical disorders were 22.5%, 20.8% and 8.3%, respectively. The most common fetal factor was intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) (22.5%) followed by congenital anomalies (21.6%). All cases were categorized using the Wigglesworth, Aberdeen, Tulip, ReCoDe and International Classification of Diseases-perinatal mortality (ICD-PM) classifications and the rates of unclassified stillbirths were 59.2%, 46.6%, 16.6%, 11.6% and 7.5%, respectively. An autopsy was performed in 9.1% of cases reflecting local religious and cultural sensitivities. CONCLUSION: This study highlighted the modifiable risk factors among the Middle Eastern population. The most appropriate classification was the ICD-PM. The low rates of autopsy prevented a detailed evaluation of stillbirths, therefore it is suggested that a minimally invasive autopsy [postmortem magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)] may improve the quality of care.

Impact of maternal age on delivery outcomes following spontaneous labour at term.

AIM: Pregnancy in women of advancing maternal age is linked to incrementally worsening perinatal outcome. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of maternal age on delivery outcome in women that spontaneously labour at term. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of women that spontaneously labour at term. Women with singletons in spontaneous onset labour beyond 37 weeks of gestation were divided into five maternal age groups: <19 years, 20-24 years, 25-29 years, 30-34 years and >35 years by their age at delivery. The main outcome variables are augmentation of labour, caesarean section, assisted vaginal delivery, and perineal trauma, while admission of the newborn into the neonatal unit within 24 h following delivery was the secondary outcome measure. RESULTS: A total of 30,022 met the inclusion criteria with primiparae and multiparae accounting for 46 and 54%, respectively. Increasing age in primiparae was associated with; augmentation of labour OR 2.05 (95% CI 1.73-2.43), second degree perineal tear 1.35 (1.12-1.61), assisted vaginal delivery 1.92 (1.53-2.41) and caesarean section 4.23 (3.19-5.12). While that for multiparae; augmentation of labour OR 1.93 (1.05-3.52), perineal trauma 2.50 (1.85-3.34), assisted vaginal delivery 4.95 (91.82-13.35) and caesarean section 1.64 (1.13-2.38). The secondary outcome measure did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Increasing maternal age is an independent risk factor for operative delivery, and perineal trauma. However, maternal age has no significant effect on admission of infants into the NICU during the first 24 h following delivery.

Delivery outcomes after day and night onset of labour.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the outcome of night onset of labour as compared with the day onset of labour to investigate if labour that begins at night is more efficient. DESIGN: Retrospective review of labour and delivery data. SETTING: A large United Kingdom maternity service. POPULATION: Over the period of 10 years, there were 30,022 deliveries, of which 19,842 were studied. METHODS: A United Kingdom maternity department database was used to identify deliveries over a 10-year period, and the delivery outcomes were retrieved from these records. The 19,842 labours were divided into two categories: night onset (22.00-06.00 h) and day onset (10.00-18.00 h). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Rates of operative intervention, augmentation, epidural usage and labour duration. RESULTS: A significant difference in delivery outcome was noted (P=0.004) with the night-onset labours having more normal deliveries (83.6% vs. 82.5%), fewer caesarean sections (8.7% vs. 10.1%), fewer labour augmentations with syntocinon (14.9% vs. 19.5%, P<0.001), fewer artificial rupture of membranes (14.1% vs. 15.6% P<0.001) and a significantly shorter mean first stage duration (4 h 58 min vs. 5 h 7 min, P<0.05). The proportion of women from each group who delivered between 09.00 and 17.00 h was 3660 (31.1%) in the night-onset group and 2414 (30%) in the day-onset group (χ2=1.3, P=NS) Conclusions: Labours that start at night appear to be more efficient than labours that start during the day.

Reproducibility of a 75G oral glucose tolerance test in pregnant women.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the reproducibility of the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). DESIGN: A retrospective study of 205 women who underwent screening for gestational diabetes. SETTING: A university teaching hospital in a South African city. SAMPLE: Women who had an abnormal OGTT had the test repeated during the same pregnancy without any diabetic or dietary advice given in the intervening time period. METHODS: Women with two OGTTs in the same pregnancy had a proforma completed at the time. Completed proformas were filed and reviewed for the purpose of this study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The κ statistic was used for estimating the agreement between repeated tests using the same nominal or dichotomous scale. RESULTS: The OGTT was repeated during the index pregnancy in 205 women and in a subset of 76 women within 17 days. The κ statistic was 0.269 for 205 women and 0.212 for 76 women for the fasting glucose value (fair strength of agreement). The κ statistic for the 2-h glucose value was 0.157 for 205 patients and 0.174 for 76 patients (slight strength of agreement). The overall OGGT classification produced κ statistics of 0.167 and 0.150 for the whole group and the 76 patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: The reproducibility was better with the fasting glucose and less with the 2-h result and the overall OGGT classification. Caution needs to be exercised when interpreting the single positive result of an OGTT in pregnant women.

Individual consultant practice does not affect the overall intervention rate: a 6-year study.

BACKGROUND: Differences exist in obstetric intervention rates between hospitals but it is not known if the individual consultant governs the decision to intervene or whether intervention is a product of agreed protocols and working practices. The purpose of this study is to analyse the differences in obstetric intervention rates amongst individual consultants working in a large maternity unit. METHODS: Each consultant was responsible for all deliveries occurring in successive 24-h periods. Over a 6-year period all deliveries resulting from a spontaneous onset of labour were matched to the consultant in charge at the time of the delivery and analysed. RESULTS: There were no differences seen in normal delivery rates (χ²=4.478, P=0.812) and vacuum (χ²=12.232, P=0.141) rates for the consultants. Significant differences were found in both forceps rate (χ²=21.462, P=0.006) and caesarean rate (χ²=24.535, P=0.002) between consultants. When the forceps rate was combined with vacuum rate there were no significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: Within the hospital, individual consultants demonstrated no significant variations in overall intervention rates. However, when intervention occurred, different consultants showed preferences for forceps and caesarean section.

Mercury exposure in pregnancy: a review.

Mercury exposure in pregnancy has been associated with both pregnancy complications and developmental problems in infants. Apart from industrial accidents and contaminated food, mercury exposure is likely to arise from predatory fish consumption, environmental contamination and dental amalgam restorations placed before or during pregnancy. It would be prudent to recommend that pregnant women avoid these potential problems and minimize any risk. The available literature indicates a linear relationship with mercury levels and IQ deficit, and therefore a safe limit of mercury cannot be calculated.

Maternal hair selenium levels as a possible long-term nutritional indicator of recurrent pregnancy loss.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 1% of all couples trying to conceive will suffer from recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Nutritional deficiencies have been postulated as a possible cause of RPL and in particular, selenium deficiency has been associated with reproductive failure in animal studies and more recently, in some human studies. This study was undertaken to assess the maternal hair selenium levels in women with RPL without an identified cause and to compare these results with those of women with successful reproductive histories. METHODS: Twenty four patients with RPL and twenty four control subjects with at least one successful pregnancy and no pregnancy failures, who were matched for age and ethnicity, were recruited. A questionnaire was completed, which included demographic and social information and a dietary history. Hair samples were collected and analyzed for selenium content by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. RESULTS: The control subjects had a higher mean income and had completed more years of education compared with the RPL patients. There was no significant difference in the intake of selenium rich foods between the 2 groups. The patients, however, consumed significantly more fruit, cheese, potatoes and chocolate than the controls. The median (range) selenium content was 0.80 ppm (0.19-4.15) and 0.68 ppm (0.43-3.76) in patients and controls respectively (Mann Whitney U test 209.5 p = 0.74). CONCLUSIONS: While there were significant differences in the 2 groups with regard to resources, education and diet our results show that hair selenium concentrations and dietary selenium intake, were similar in the two groups. Both groups had low levels of this important element.

Assisted vaginal delivery in the obese patient.

Appropriate use of ventouse or obstetric forceps as options in the management of the second-stage of labor is good medical practice. The instruments are not inherently dangerous, however, the manner in which they are used may be. In addition to a working knowledge of the instruments, the operator must have the willingness to abandon an unsuccessful procedure. Awareness that failure of assisted vaginal delivery is more likely in women with BMI >30, hence, gives pause to consider trial in theatre with early recourse to cesarean delivery if unsuccessful Awareness that obesity is associated with increased risk of intrapartum complications, such as the need for second-stage assistance to achieve delivery, shoulder dystocia and postnatal complications, such as obstetric anal sphincter injury and febrile morbidity.

Preterm Birth: Screening and Prediction.

Preterm birth (PTB) affects approximately 10% of births globally each year and is the most significant direct cause of neonatal death and of long-term disability worldwide. Early identification of women at high risk of PTB is important, given the availability of evidence-based, effective screening modalities, which facilitate decision-making on preventative strategies, particularly transvaginal sonographic cervical length (CL) measurement. There is growing evidence that combining CL with quantitative fetal fibronectin (qfFN) and maternal risk factors in the extensively peer-reviewed and validated QUanititative Innovation in Predicting Preterm birth (QUiPP) application can aid both the triage of patients who present as emergencies with symptoms of preterm labor and high-risk asymptomatic women attending PTB surveillance clinics. The QUiPP app risk of delivery thus supports shared decision-making with patients on the need for increased outpatient surveillance, in-patient treatment for preterm labor or simply reassurance for those unlikely to deliver preterm. Effective triage of patients at preterm gestations is an obstetric clinical priority as correctly timed administration of antenatal corticosteroids will maximise their neonatal benefits. This review explores the predictive capacity of existing predictive tests for PTB in both singleton and multiple pregnancies, including the QUiPP app v.2. and discusses promising new research areas, which aim to predict PTB through cervical stiffness and elastography measurements, metabolomics, extracellular vesicles and artificial intelligence.

Drug use in pregnancy in Ireland's capital city: A decade of trends and outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to present contemporary trends in opiate use disorder (OUD) and substance use in pregnancy in Ireland, with associated obstetric outcomes, over the last ten years. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective observational cohort study was conducted at an Irish tertiary maternity unit. All women with OUD or substance use in pregnancy delivered under this service between 2010 and 2019 were included. Drug-exposure was self-reported. Data was collected by combining electronic and hand-held patient records. Trends and outcomes were analysed by year of delivery. Approval for the study was granted by the institution's clinical governance committee. RESULTS: Of the 82,669 women delivered, 525 had OUD or substance use in pregnancy (1 in every 160 women booking). 11.6% were homeless, 20.0% were in full-time employment and 91.0% smoked tobacco in pregnancy. 66.3% had a history of psychiatric disorders. Over the ten years, there was a significant reduction in women delivered with OUD or substance use in pregnancy (0.8 % to 0.4 %, RR 0.55, 95 % CI 0.36-0.85), significant reduction in the proportion of women on Opioid-Substitute-Treatment (OST, RR 0.66 95 % CI 0.51-0.87) and an increase in mean maternal age (30.7to32.0 years). Rates of cocaine and cannabis consumption increased (20.6 %, RR 3.8, 95 % CI 1.57-9.44: 24.0 %, RR 3.7, 95 % CI 1.58-8.86 respectively). The maternal mortality rate was 380.9:100,000 births. The perinatal mortality rate was 15.6:1000 births. The preterm birth rate was 17.9 %, with a mean birth weight of 2832 g. The rate of NICU admission was 52.0 % and the mean length of stay was 22.4 days. Amongst the smaller OUD population, the rate of NICU admission for Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) and treatment for NAS increased over the study timeframe (36.0 %, RR 2.97, 95 % CI 1.86-4.75: 28.5 %, RR 2.92, 95 % CI 1.70-5.0 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The obstetric population attending an Irish antenatal service with opiate use disorder or substance exposure is reducing in size with older patients, less opioid substitute therapy and increasing cocaine and cannabis use. These women have high rates of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Specialist antenatal addiction services, coordinated by the drug-liaison midwife, are critical in adapting care to respond to this dynamic and vulnerable patient cohort.

Non-diabetic fetal macrosomia: outcomes of elective delivery versus expectant management.

BACKGROUND: Macrosomia in the absence of diabetes can be associated with increased neonatal and maternal morbidity. Management is usually undertaken on a case-by-case basis. AIMS: In order to inform local practice, this study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of the management of non-diabetic macrosomia in an Irish tertiary center. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was performed on all women with estimated fetal weight over 4000 g after 37 weeks' gestation. Maternal demographics and obstetric and neonatal outcomes were recorded using the hospital information system. Women with diabetes, previous caesarean section, non-cephalic presentation, or any other complicating condition were excluded. Women were divided into two groups: 1. Active management: Elective delivery for macrosomia-between 38 + 0 and 40 + 6 weeks' gestation 2. Expectant management: with induction of labour offered after 41 weeks' gestation RESULTS: There were 397 women included, 188 with active and 209 with expectant management. There was no difference in adverse neonatal outcomes, major maternal morbidity, or mode of delivery, after exclusion of pre-labor caesarean section. Women with expectant management were more likely to go into spontaneous labor (46.9 vs 1.6%, p < 0.001) and to have a favorable cervix at the onset of induction of labor if nulliparous (86.1 vs 70.0%, p = 0.021), but have higher rates of episiotomy (28.6 vs 18.2%, p = 0.021). With active management, nulliparas with an unfavorable cervix had increased risk of anal sphincter injury (6.5 vs 0.0%, p = 0.007) and postpartum hemorrhage (59.0 vs 35.5%, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, there was no difference in major maternal or neonatal outcomes between management options for fetal macrosomia. However, inducing nulliparas with an unfavorable cervix for non-diabetic macrosomia was associated with obstetric anal sphincter injury and postpartum hemorrhage.

A Meta-Analysis of the Global Stillbirth Rates during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

COVID-19 has been shown to have variable adverse effects on pregnancy. Reported data on stillbirth rates during the pandemic have, however, been inconsistent-some reporting a rise and others no change. Knowing the precise impact of COVID-19 on stillbirths should help with the planning and delivery of antenatal care. Our aim was, therefore, to undertake a meta-analysis to determine the impact of COVID-19 on the stillbirth rate. Databases searched included PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Web of Science, with no language restriction. Publications with stillbirth data on women with COVID-19, comparing stillbirth rates in COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 women, as well as comparisons before and during the pandemic, were included. Two independent reviewers extracted data separately and then compared them to ensure the accuracy of extraction and synthesis. Where data were incomplete, authors were contacted for additional information, which was included if provided. The main outcome measures were (1) stillbirth (SB) rate in pregnant women with COVID-19, (2) stillbirth rates in pregnant women with and without COVID-19 during the same period, and (3) population stillbirth rates in pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. A total of 29 studies were included in the meta-analysis; from 17 of these, the SB rate was 7 per 1000 in women with COVID-19. This rate was much higher (34/1000) in low- and middle-income countries. The odds ratio of stillbirth in COVID-19 compared to non-COVID-19 pregnant women was 1.89. However, there was no significant difference in population SB between the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. Stillbirths are an ongoing global concern, and there is evidence that the rate has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, but mostly in low- and middle-income countries. A major factor for this is possibly access to healthcare during the pandemic. Attention should be focused on education and the provision of high-quality maternity care, such as face-to-face consultation (taking all the preventative precautions) or remote appointments where appropriate.