SARS-CoV-2 in first trimester pregnancy:a cohort study

STUDY QUESTION: Does maternal infection with SARS-CoV-2 in first trimester pregnancy have an impact on the fetal development as measured by nuchal translucency thickness and pregnancy loss?SUMMARY ANSWER: Nuchal translucency thickness at the first trimester scan was not significantly different in pregnant women with versus without SARS-CoV-2 infection in early pregnancy and there was no significant increased risk of pregnancy loss in women with SARS-CoV-2 infection in the first trimester.WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Pregnant women are more vulnerable to viral infections. Previous coronavirus epidemics have been associated with increased maternal morbidity, mortality and adverse obstetric outcomes. Currently, no evidence exists regarding possible effects of SARS-CoV-2 in first trimester pregnancies.STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: Cohort study of 1,019 women with a double test taken between Feb. 17 and Apr. 23, 2020, as a part of the combined first trimester risk assessment, and 36 women with a first trimester pregnancy loss between Apr. 14 and May 21, 2020, prior to the double test. The study period was during the first SARS-CoV-2 epidemic wave in Denmark.PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Cohort 1 included pregnant women with a double test taken within the study period. The excess serum from each double test was analyzed for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Results were correlated to the nuchal translucency thickness and the number of pregnancy losses before or at the time of the first trimester scan. Cohort 2 included women with a pregnancy loss before the gestational age for double test sample. Serum from a blood test taken the day the pregnancy loss was identified was analyzed for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The study was conducted at a public university hospital serving approximately 12% of pregnant women and births in Denmark. All participants in the study provided written informed consent.MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Eighteen (1.8