MBRRACE-UK: Learning from SARS-CoV-2-related and associated maternal deaths in the UK - June 2020-March 2021

Summary

This review was undertaken as part of the remit of MBRRACE-UK to ensure that key learning and recommendations for changes to care and services for pregnant women during the second wave of the SARS-CoV-2 infection in the UK are identified in a timely manner in order to implement rapid change.

The report’s authors reviewed the care of all pregnant and postnatal women who died with SARS-CoV-2 infection, and women who died and whose care or engagement with care was influenced by changes as a consequence of the pandemic between 1 June 2020 and 1 March this year. Fourteen women died with SARS-CoV-2 infection, ten from COVID-19 and four from other causes, three further women's deaths were influenced by changes as a consequence of the pandemic.

The report identifies several themes affecting the care of pregnant and postpartum women in the context of the pandemic and suggests that there needs to be wider awareness of how best to treat pregnant and postnatal women with COVID-19.