Zero Maternal and Neonatal Deaths in Obstetrics at Cumilla Combined Military Hospital during COVID-19 (2021–2023)

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges to maternal and neonatal healthcare worldwide, with heightened risks of adverse outcomes due to resource constraints and infection concerns. Ensuring zero maternal and neonatal deaths required meticulous planning, adherence to protocols, and multidisciplinary teamwork. This study evaluated the strategies and outcomes contributing to achieving zero maternal and neonatal deaths in obstetrics at Cumilla Combined Military Hospital during COVID-19 (2021–2023). This prospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Combined Military Hospital, Cumilla, Bangladesh, from January 2021 to December 2023. A total of 2,057 pregnant mothers who were admitted to the specified hospital and received obstetric services during the COVID-19 pandemic were purposively enrolled in this study. Maternal and obstetric data were meticulously recorded and analyzed using MS Office tools. Maternal outcomes showed 62.9% LUCS and 37.1% NVD, with complications like PROM (8.8%), PIH (14.9%), oligohydramnios (12.6%), preeclampsia (4.7%), and APH (5.4%). Delivery was delayed for negative confirmation in COVID-19 positive cases, except for emergencies. In this study, there were no maternal deaths. Fetal outcomes included a mean birth weight of 2.3 ± 0.6 kg, Apgar scores of 7.6 ± 1.2 (1 min) and 8.1 ± 1.4 (5 min), IUGR (12.7%), fetal distress (7.3%), and LBW (1.6%). There were no neonatal deaths either. Adhering strictly to COVID-19 management protocols during obstetric procedures in hospitals can lead to satisfactory pregnancy outcomes, even amidst the pandemic. Delaying delivery in COVID-19-positive pregnancies until the patient tests negative, with appropriate treatment, may help prevent potential adverse outcomes, even maternal and fetal death.  

CBMJ 2026 July: Vol. 15 No. 02 P:374-379