Compromised SARS-CoV-2-specific placental antibody transfer.

SARS-CoV-2 infection causes more severe disease in pregnant women compared to age-matched non-pregnant women. Whether maternal infection causes changes in the transfer of immunity to infants remains unclear. Maternal infections have previously been associated with compromised placental antibody transfer, but the mechanism underlying this compromised transfer is not established. Here, we used systems serology to characterize the Fc profile of influenza-, pertussis-, and SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies transferred across the placenta. Influenza- and pertussis-specific antibodies were actively transferred. However, SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody transfer was significantly reduced compared to influenza- and pertussis-specific antibodies, and cord titers and functional activity were lower than in maternal plasma. This effect was only observed in third-trimester infection. SARS-CoV-2-specific transfer was linked to altered SARS-CoV-2-antibody glycosylation profiles and was partially rescued by infection-induced increases in IgG and increased FCGR3A placental expression. These results point to unexpected compensatory mechanisms to boost immunity in neonates, providing insights for maternal vaccine design.

Fc Glycan-Mediated Regulation of Placental Antibody Transfer.

Despite the worldwide success of vaccination, newborns remain vulnerable to infections. While neonatal vaccination has been hampered by maternal antibody-mediated dampening of immune responses, enhanced regulatory and tolerogenic mechanisms, and immune system immaturity, maternal pre-natal immunization aims to boost neonatal immunity via antibody transfer to the fetus. However, emerging data suggest that antibodies are not transferred equally across the placenta. To understand this, we used systems serology to define Fc features associated with antibody transfer. The Fc-profile of neonatal and maternal antibodies differed, skewed toward natural killer (NK) cell-activating antibodies. This selective transfer was linked to digalactosylated Fc-glycans that selectively bind FcRn and FCGR3A, resulting in transfer of antibodies able to efficiently leverage innate immune cells present at birth. Given emerging data that vaccination may direct antibody glycosylation, our study provides insights for the development of next-generation maternal vaccines designed to elicit antibodies that will most effectively aid neonates.

First Trimester Cardiac Biomarkers among Women with Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: Are There Early Clues to This Late-Pregnancy Phenomenon?

OBJECTIVE: Whether biomarkers may enable early identification of women who develop peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) prior to disease onset remains a question of interest. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective nested case-control study was conducted to determine whether first trimester N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) or high sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) differed among women who developed PPCM versus unaffected pregnancies. Cases were matched to unaffected women by age, race, parity, and gestational age of sample (control A) and then further by blood pressure and pregnancy weight gain (control B). RESULTS: First trimester NT-proBNP concentrations were numerically higher among women who subsequently developed PPCM (116 pg/mL [83-177]) as compared with women in control A (56.1 pg/mL [38.7-118.7], p = 0.3) or control B (37.6 [23.3 - 53.8], p <0.05). A higher proportion of women who subsequently developed PPCM (50%) had detectable levels of hs-cTnI as compared with control A (0%, p = 0.03) or control B (18.8%, p = 0.52). Among both cases and controls, hs-cTnI values were low and often below the limit of detection. CONCLUSION: There were differences in first trimester NT-proBNP and hs-cTnI concentrations between women who subsequently developed PPCM and those who did not, raising the possibility the early pregnancy subclinical myocardial dysfunction may be associated with this late-pregnancy disease. KEY POINTS: · First trimester NT-proBNP is numerically higher among women who subsequently develop PPCM.. · First trimester hs-cTnI was nominally higher among women who developed PPCM versus those who did not.. · A significant proportion of normal pregnant women have undetectable hs-cTnI..

Prolonged Second Stage of Labor and Anal Sphincter Injury in a Contemporary Cohort of Term Nulliparas.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess whether a prolonged second stage of labor is an independent predictor of obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) in a contemporary cohort of nulliparous and term parturients, and to evaluate whether predelivery factors can accurately predict OASI. STUDY DESIGN: This was a nested case-control study within a cohort of consecutive nulliparous term parturients with a singleton gestation who underwent a vaginal delivery at a single institution between January 2014 and January 2015. Cases were defined as women with a third- or fourth-degree laceration at the time of delivery, and controls were women without a third- or fourth-degree laceration. A prolonged second stage was defined as a second stage of ≥3 hours. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses were performed to examine the relationship between prolonged second stage of labor and third- or fourth-degree lacerations. Receiver operator curves were developed to assess the predictive capacity of predelivery information for third- and fourth-degree lacerations. RESULTS: Of 1,197 births, 63 women had third- or fourth-degree lacerations (5.3%). With each additional hour of the second stage, the rate of OASI increased, with 2.9% of women with a second stage of <1 hour with OASI, 3.5% between 1 and 2 hours, 5.7% between 2 and 3 hours, 7.8% between 3 and 4 hours, 16.1% between 4 and 5 hours, and 28.6% among women with a second stage length >5 hours (p < 0.001). In multivariable regression analysis, operative vaginal delivery (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 5.92, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.17-11.07) and a prolonged second stage (aOR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.06-3.51) were independent predictors of third- and fourth-degree lacerations. A predictive model was developed from these results (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.68-0.81). CONCLUSION: Prolonged second stage of labor is a predictor of OASI, after adjustment for operative vaginal delivery. A model using predelivery risk factors has a reasonable prediction of OASI. KEY POINTS: · Prolonged second stage labor is associated with obstetric anal sphincter injury in term nulliparas.. · Predelivery risk factors reasonably predict obstetric anal sphincter injury in term nulliparas.. · Improved models are needed for clinical risk-stratification..

Perceptions and Attitudes toward COVID-19 Vaccination among Pregnant and Postpartum Individuals.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to characterize attitudes toward novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination and to evaluate factors associated with vaccine uptake among pregnant individuals. STUDY DESIGN: An anonymous survey was distributed to a convenience sample of pregnant individuals receiving prenatal care at two large urban academic hospitals in a single health care network in Massachusetts. Individual demographic variables were included in the survey along with questions assessing attitudes toward COVID-19 and vaccination in pregnancy. Data were analyzed using parametric or nonparametric tests when appropriate, and associated odds ratios (OR) were calculated via univariable logistic regression. RESULTS: There were 684 surveys distributed, and 477 pregnant and postpartum individuals completed the survey, for a response rate of 69.7%. Overall, 233 (49.3%) had received or were scheduled to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Age, White race, non-Hispanic or Latinx ethnicity, working from home, and typical receipt of the influenza vaccine were associated with COVID-19 vaccination. Further, 276 respondents (58.4%) reported that their provider recommended the COVID-19 vaccine in pregnancy; these participants were more likely to have received a vaccine (OR = 5.82, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.68-9.26, p < 0.005). Vaccinated individuals were less likely to be worried about the effects of the vaccine on themselves (OR = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.12-0.27, p < 0.005) or their developing babies (OR = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.11-0.26, p < 0.005). Unvaccinated individuals were less likely to report that it is easy to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine (OR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.34-0.93, p = 0.02), to travel to receive a vaccine (OR = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.10-0.36, p < 0.005), and to miss work to receive a vaccine (OR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.18-0.48, p < 0.005). CONCLUSION: Strategies are needed to improve patient education regarding vaccine side effects and safety in pregnancy. Policy changes should focus on making it feasible for patients to schedule a vaccine and miss work without loss of pay to get vaccinated. KEY POINTS: · There were racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19 vaccination.. · Unvaccinated respondents were more likely to be concerned about vaccine effects for themselves or their growing babies.. · Unvaccinated respondents cited work and scheduling-related barriers to vaccination, indicating areas for advocacy..

Compassionate Use of Remdesivir in Pregnant Women With Severe Coronavirus Disease 2019.

BACKGROUND: Remdesivir is efficacious for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in adults, but data in pregnant women are limited. We describe outcomes in the first 86 pregnant women with severe COVID-19 who were treated with remdesivir. METHODS: The reported data span 21 March to 16 June 2020 for hospitalized pregnant women with polymerase chain reaction-confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection and room air oxygen saturation ≤94% whose clinicians requested remdesivir through the compassionate use program. The intended remdesivir treatment course was 10 days (200 mg on day 1, followed by 100 mg for days 2-10, given intravenously). RESULTS: Nineteen of 86 women delivered before their first dose and were reclassified as immediate "postpartum" (median postpartum day 1 [range, 0-3]). At baseline, 40% of pregnant women (median gestational age, 28 weeks) required invasive ventilation, in contrast to 95% of postpartum women (median gestational age at delivery 30 weeks). By day 28 of follow-up, the level of oxygen requirement decreased in 96% and 89% of pregnant and postpartum women, respectively. Among pregnant women, 93% of those on mechanical ventilation were extubated, 93% recovered, and 90% were discharged. Among postpartum women, 89% were extubated, 89% recovered, and 84% were discharged. Remdesivir was well tolerated, with a low incidence of serious adverse events (AEs) (16%). Most AEs were related to pregnancy and underlying disease; most laboratory abnormalities were grade 1 or 2. There was 1 maternal death attributed to underlying disease and no neonatal deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Among 86 pregnant and postpartum women with severe COVID-19 who received compassionate-use remdesivir, recovery rates were high, with a low rate of serious AEs.

Coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine response in pregnant and lactating women: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Pregnant and lactating women were excluded from initial coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine trials; thus, data to guide vaccine decision making are lacking. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the immunogenicity and reactogenicity of coronavirus disease 2019 messenger RNA vaccination in pregnant and lactating women compared with: (1) nonpregnant controls and (2) natural coronavirus disease 2019 infection in pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 131 reproductive-age vaccine recipients (84 pregnant, 31 lactating, and 16 nonpregnant women) were enrolled in a prospective cohort study at 2 academic medical centers. Titers of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 spike and receptor-binding domain immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin A, and immunoglobulin M were quantified in participant sera (n=131) and breastmilk (n=31) at baseline, at the second vaccine dose, at 2 to 6 weeks after the second vaccine, and at delivery by Luminex. Umbilical cord sera (n=10) titers were assessed at delivery. Titers were compared with those of pregnant women 4 to 12 weeks from the natural infection (n=37) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A pseudovirus neutralization assay was used to quantify neutralizing antibody titers for the subset of women who delivered during the study period. Postvaccination symptoms were assessed via questionnaire. Kruskal-Wallis tests and a mixed-effects model, with correction for multiple comparisons, were used to assess differences among groups. RESULTS: Vaccine-induced antibody titers were equivalent in pregnant and lactating compared with nonpregnant women (pregnant, median, 5.59; interquartile range, 4.68-5.89; lactating, median, 5.74; interquartile range, 5.06-6.22; nonpregnant, median, 5.62; interquartile range, 4.77-5.98, P=.24). All titers were significantly higher than those induced by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection during pregnancy (P<.0001). Vaccine-generated antibodies were present in all umbilical cord blood and breastmilk samples. Neutralizing antibody titers were lower in umbilical cord than maternal sera, although this finding did not achieve statistical significance (maternal sera, median, 104.7; interquartile range, 61.2-188.2; cord sera, median, 52.3; interquartile range, 11.7-69.6; P=.05). The second vaccine dose (boost dose) increased severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2-specific immunoglobulin G, but not immunoglobulin A, in maternal blood and breastmilk. No differences were noted in reactogenicity across the groups. CONCLUSION: Coronavirus disease 2019 messenger RNA vaccines generated robust humoral immunity in pregnant and lactating women, with immunogenicity and reactogenicity similar to that observed in nonpregnant women. Vaccine-induced immune responses were statistically significantly greater than the response to natural infection. Immune transfer to neonates occurred via placenta and breastmilk.

The Costs of Contradictory Messages About Live Vaccines in Pregnancy.

The increased risk of harm from COVID-19 infection in pregnancy highlights the importance of including pregnant people in COVID-19 vaccine development and deployment. Promising vaccines being developed include replication-competent platforms, which are typically contraindicated during pregnancy because of theoretical risk. However, replicating vaccines are administered in and around pregnancy, either inadvertently because of unknown pregnancy status or when recommended.The historical cases of Ebola virus, yellow fever, and rubella demonstrate that contradictory messages around the safety of live vaccines in pregnancy have critical public health costs. First, restricting study or use of replicating vaccines in pregnancy may delay or deny access to the only available protection against deadly diseases. Additionally, not vaccinating pregnant people may slow epidemic control. Finally, uncertainty and worry around the safety of live vaccines may lead to terminations of otherwise desired pregnancies after inadvertent vaccination in pregnancy.If one of the vaccines deployed to combat the current global COVID-19 pandemic is replication competent, historical cases offer important lessons for ethical and effective protection for pregnant populations.

Patient characteristics associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in parturients admitted for labour and delivery in Massachusetts during the spring 2020 surge: A prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: While studies from large cities affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have reported on the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in the context of universal testing during admission for delivery, the patient demographic, social and clinical factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women are not fully understood. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the epidemiological factors associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in women admitted for labour and delivery, in the context of universal screening at four Boston-area hospitals. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, we reviewed the health records of all women admitted for labour and delivery at four hospitals from the largest health system in Massachusetts between 19 April 2020 and 27 June 2020. We calculated the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, including asymptomatic infection. We calculated associations between SARS-CoV-2 infection and demographic and clinical characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 93 patients (3.2%, 95% confidence interval 2.5, 3.8) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection on admission for labour and delivery out of 2945 patients included in the analysis; 80 (86.0%) of the patients who tested positive were asymptomatic at the time of testing. Factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection included the following: younger age, obesity, African American or Hispanic race/ethnicity, residence in heavily affected communities (as measured in cases reported per capita), presence of a household member with known SARS-CoV-2 infection, non-health care essential worker occupation and MassHealth or Medicaid insurance compared to commercial insurance. 93.8% of patients testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 on admission had one or more identifiable factors associated with disease acquisition. CONCLUSIONS: In this large sample of deliveries during the height of the surge in infections during the spring of 2020, SARS-CoV-2 infection was largely concentrated in patients with distinct demographic characteristics, those largely from disadvantaged communities. Racial disparities seen in pregnancy persist with respect to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) with placental abruption despite maternal improvement: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare but serious complication in pregnancy that places the mother and fetus at high risk for morbidity and mortality. This case illustrates novel pregnancy complications associated with this rare medical condition. CASE PRESENTATION: A 31-year-old G3P0020 at 28 weeks and 1 day was admitted with severe thrombocytopenia and was ultimately diagnosed with TTP. With therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), maternal status improved. At 28 weeks 6 days, however, non-reassuring fetal testing prompted cesarean delivery with placental abruption noted intraoperatively. Pathology examination confirmed placental abruption and also revealed multiple placental infarcts. CONCLUSION: While medical management of TTP can significantly improve the health of the mother, this case highlights the potential role of TTP in abruption and other placental pathology and thus, the need for close fetal surveillance throughout an affected pregnancy.

High Fetal Fraction on First Trimester Cell-Free DNA Aneuploidy Screening and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that high fetal fraction (FF) on first trimester cell-free deoxyribonucleic acid (cfDNA) aneuploidy screening is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: This is a single-institution retrospective cohort study of women who underwent cfDNA screening at <14 weeks' gestation and delivered a singleton infant between July 2016 and June 2018. Women with abnormal results were excluded. Women with high FF (≥95th percentile) were compared with women with normal FF (5th-95th percentiles). Outcomes investigated were preterm birth, small for gestational age, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. RESULTS: A total of 2,033 women met inclusion criteria. The mean FF was 10.0%, and FF >16.5% was considered high (n = 102). Women with high FF had a greater chance of delivering a small for gestational age infant

Low Fetal Fraction and Birth Weight in Women with Negative First-Trimester Cell-Free DNA Screening.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between low fetal fraction and birth weight among women with a negative cell-free DNA (cfDNA) result for common aneuploidies in the first trimester. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort of women who delivered a singleton between July 2016 and June 2018 at a single institution and had normal cfDNA testing in the first trimester. The primary variable of interest was "low fetal fraction," which was defined as fetal fractions less than 5th percentile among all fetal fractions in the cohort (fetal fraction < 5.34%). The primary outcomes were birth weight ≤ 5th and ≤ 10th percentiles. Multivariable logistic regressions assessed for the association between low fetal fraction and birth weight. RESULTS: A total of 7,478 women delivered a singleton at ≥24 weeks' gestation, of which 2,387 (32%) underwent genetic screening through cfDNA; the majority were in the first trimester (n = 2,052 [86%]). 2,035 met the inclusion criteria. Birth weight ≤ 5th percentile was significantly higher in the low fetal fraction group (6.9 vs. 3.2%; p = 0.04). A low fetal fraction was associated with higher odds of an infant with a low birth weight: adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 2.32 (95% CI 1.15-4.67) for birth weight ≤ 10th percentile (p = 0.02) and aOR of 3.73 (95% CI 1.40-9.03) for birth weight ≤ 5th percentile (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Low fetal fractions of ≤ 5th percentile were associated with an increased risk of birth weights ≤ 5th and ≤ 10th percentiles in women with negative cfDNA screening in the first trimester. Future work is needed to further investigate this relationship and to determine the potential clinical implications, such as third-trimester screening for growth restriction in women with low fetal fractions and negative cfDNA screening results.

Chromosomal microarray use among women undergoing invasive prenatal diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE: To study the offer and uptake of chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) among women undergoing invasive prenatal testing. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of women who underwent chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis. Charts were reviewed for CMA offer and uptake, in additional to clinical and demographic variables. RESULTS: One hundred forty-one women underwent CVS (n = 53) or amniocentesis (n = 91) over the study period. Overall, 41% of women underwent CMA. Women who underwent invasive testing for a fetal structural abnormality were more likely to undergo CMA than women who underwent invasive testing for all other indications (aOR 43.18, 95% CI 4.64 - 401.58). Chromosomal microarray was offered more often to women who primarily spoke English (p < 0.001), self-identified as white (p = 0.046) and did not receive prenatal care in a community health center (p = 0.044). Statistically significant differences in CMA uptake by race/ethnicity, language, insurance or provider type were not noted. Multiparous women were less likely to accept this test than nulliparas (aOR 0.39, 95% CI 0.17 - 0.86). CONCLUSION: Women who undergo invasive fetal testing are more likely to undergo CMA if the indication is for a fetal structural anomaly. There may be important demographic disparities in the offering of CMA which bear further exploration. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Wireless Vital Sign Monitoring in Pregnant Women: A Functionality and Acceptability Study.

OBJECTIVE: To test the functionality and acceptability of a wireless vital sign monitor in an inpatient obstetric unit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pregnant women at a U.S. tertiary-care hospital wore a wireless vital sign sensor that captures heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature. Measurements were compared with vital signs obtained by standard devices. We defined continuous capture of vital signs for 30 min with wireless data transfer to a central monitor as functional success. Acceptability was assessed per the pregnant women and nurses observing the device. Bland-Altman plots were constructed to assess agreement between the wireless sensor and standard measurements. RESULTS: Thirty of 32 enrolled pregnant women had successful monitoring; 2 cases were stopped early for non-study-related reasons. Comparing wireless sensor and standard measurements, the mean difference (limits of agreement) values at the 25th and 75th percentiles were 1.6 (±13.2) and 4.2 (±18.6) heartbeats/min, 4.2 (±6.1) and 0.7 (±5.4) respirations/min, and 0.02°C (±1.5) and 0.5°C (±1.8), respectively. Most pregnant women found the device comfortable, likeable, and useful (78%, 81%, and 97%, respectively); 80% of nurses found the monitor easy to use, and 84% would recommend it to a patient. CONCLUSIONS: We successfully obtained maternal vital signs using a simple wireless monitor with high acceptability. Well-validated monitors of this nature could significantly alleviate the human resource burden of monitoring during labor and confer greatly desired mobility to laboring pregnant women, although incorporation of blood pressure monitoring will be critical.

Use of the combined tetanus-diphtheria and pertussis vaccine during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: A recent increase in pertussis cases prompted the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to recommend administering the perinatal tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine during each pregnancy. We sought to describe uptake of Tdap and identify predictors of vaccination in pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective study of all women delivering at a university hospital between February and June 2013. Demographic, pregnancy, and vaccination data were abstracted from the medical record. The relationship between maternal age, parity, gestational age, race/ethnicity, marital status, prenatal provider/site, insurance, influenza vaccination status, and Tdap vaccine was described by univariate analysis. Independent predictors were identified by multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: In our cohort of 1467 women, 1194 (81.6%) received a Tdap vaccine. After adjusting for potential confounders, 3 factors were found to be independent predictors of receiving the vaccine. Patients were more likely to receive Tdap if they had been vaccinated against influenza during this pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-2.3). Black women were less likely to receive Tdap when compared with other women (aOR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.27-0.67). Also, women who delivered preterm were less likely to receive the Tdap vaccine (aOR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.22-0.48). CONCLUSION: A high overall Tdap vaccination rate was observed following implementation of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices guidelines. Black women, however, had significantly lower vaccine uptake than other women. Further research is needed to understand and minimize this disparity. Women who delivered prematurely also had a decreased rate of Tdap vaccination; vaccinating earlier should be considered to better capture this population.

Association between acceptance of routine pregnancy vaccinations and COVID-19 vaccine uptake in pregnant patients.

OBJECTIVE: COVID-19 vaccination is a key approach to reduce morbidity and mortality in pregnant patients and their newborns. Anti-vaccine sentiment has recently increased with unclear impact on pregnant patients. We examined the association between acceptance of tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) and influenza vaccines, considered to be routine pregnancy vaccines, and COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Secondarily, we identified other predictors of COVID-19 vaccine uptake and described pregnancy outcomes in patients who were and were not vaccinated during pregnancy. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of all patients who delivered at a single site from December 2020 - March 2022. Demographic, pregnancy, neonatal, and vaccination data were abstracted from the electronic medical record, which imports vaccine history from the California Immunization Registry. The relationship between influenza and Tdap vaccine acceptance, other baseline characteristics, and COVID-19 vaccine uptake was assessed using univariable and multivariable regression analysis. RESULTS: Of the 7857 patients who delivered during the study period, 4410 (56.1%) accepted the COVID-19 vaccine. Of those who received the COVID-19 vaccine, 3363 (97.6%) and 3049 (88.5%) received influenza and Tdap vaccines, respectively. Patients were more likely to receive the COVID-19 vaccine if they had advanced maternal age, obesity, Asian race, and private insurance. After adjustment for baseline differences, COVID vaccine acceptance was associated with receipt of Tdap (aOR 2.10, 95% CI 1.90-2.33) and influenza vaccines (aOR 2.83, 95% CI 2.55-3.14). There were no differences in preterm birth, low birthweight, and NICU admission between patients who received and did not receive the COVID-19 vaccine. CONCLUSION: Patients were more likely to accept COVID-19 vaccination if they received Tdap or influenza vaccinations. Older age, obesity, Asian race, and private insurance were independent predictors of vaccine uptake. Disparities in COVID-19 vaccination uptake bear further exploration to guide efforts in equitable and widespread vaccine distribution.

Experiences Navigating the Pregnancy Care Continuum During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic led to unprecedented changes in care delivery across the pregnancy care continuum. Our primary objective with this research was to characterize the range of ways that the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic affected pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care experiences. METHODS: Pregnant and recently pregnant patients (n = 20) from obstetrics and gynecology clinical sites associated with Massachusetts General Hospital were interviewed about their experiences with prenatal care, childbirth, and postpartum care during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Interview transcripts were analyzed for emergent themes. RESULTS: This sample included 20 pregnant and postpartum people, including 11 individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 during pregnancy or postpartum and nine with suspected infection. The ways in which COVID-19 or suspected COVID-19 affected experiences of prenatal care, childbirth, and postpartum care were complex and varied. Three themes were identified across narratives of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care: patient perceptions of diminished access to care, stigma due to COVID-19 infection, and limited capacity of providers to honor patient preferences. CONCLUSIONS: A better understanding of pregnant and recently pregnant people's experiences during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic can inform infection control policies and clinical care delivery practices that are more congruent with the needs and values of pregnant, birthing, and postpartum people as institutions craft responses to future pandemics. Approaches that maximize meaningful access across the pregnancy care continuum, center patients' priorities within adapted care models, and honor patient preferences as much as possible are important aspects of an appropriate response to future waves of COVID-19 and other pandemics.

Availability Versus Accessibility: Identifying COVID-19 Testing Deserts Across Massachusetts.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, communities of color have faced significantly higher rates of COVID-19 infection, as well as poor clinical outcomes. These differences are driven by long-standing structural inequities that prevent effective social distancing efforts and are further exacerbated by disparities in COVID-19 testing. Our study applied the concept of "COVID-19 testing deserts" to systematically identify gaps in testing resource allocation across Massachusetts in May 2020 and March 2021. Testing deserts were identified at the census tract level, using criteria developed by the Department of Agriculture for food deserts. Testing deserts occurred more frequently in segregated Hispanic, segregated Black, mixed minority, and integrated communities, as well as in neighborhoods with low vehicle access and in federally designated Medically Underserved Areas. Segregated communities were those in which more than 50 percent of the population self-identified as non-Hispanic White, Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, or non-Hispanic Asian, respectively. Testing deserts were overrepresented in counties with high COVID-19 incidence rates, suggesting that testing accessibility is essential for prompt COVID-19 diagnosis and self-isolation.

Provider confidence in counseling preconception, pregnant, and postpartum patients regarding COVID-19 vaccination: A cross-sectional survey study.

Background and Aims: Healthcare provider counseling surrounding COVID-19 vaccine in pregnancy and lactation is essential to vaccination uptake in this population; however, provider knowledge and confidence are not well characterized. We aimed to assess knowledge and confidence in COVID-19 vaccine counseling among practitioners who provide care to pregnant persons and to describe factors associated with confidence in counseling. Methods: A web-based anonymous survey was distributed via email to a cross-sectional convenience sample of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Primary Care, and Internal Medicine faculty at three hospitals in a single healthcare network in Massachusetts, United States. Individual demographics and institution-specific variables were included in the survey along with questions assessing both attitudes toward COVID-19 illness and confidence in counseling regarding the use of the vaccine in pregnancy. Results: Almost all providers (151, 98.1%) reported that they received a COVID-19 vaccine, and most (111, 72.1%) reported that they believe the benefits of the vaccine in pregnancy outweigh the risks. Forty-one (26.6%) reported feeling very confident in counseling patients who primarily speak English about the evidence for messenger ribonucleic acid vaccination in pregnancy, and 36 (23%) reported feeling very confident in counseling patients who are not primarily English-speaking. Forty-three providers (28.1%) expressed strong confidence in their comfort talking to individuals with vaccine hesitancy based on historic and continued racism and systemic injustices. The sources that survey respondents most used to find information regarding COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy were the Centers for Disease Control (112, 74.2%), hospital-specific resources (94, 62.3%), and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (82, 54.3%). Conclusion: Ensuring that providers feel comfortable bridging the gap between their belief that the vaccine is beneficial for pregnant patients and their comfort with holding conversations with patients regarding vaccination is paramount to ensure equitable access to vaccines for pregnant patients.