Birthing parents had a lower risk of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 in the peripartum period in Norway, 15th of February 2020 to 15th of May 2021

Abstract

Summary: Hospital infection control measures against COVID-19 may come into conflict with patients' need for support. In Norway, some hospitals have restricted access for partners of women giving birth. We investigated the incidence rate of SARS-CoV-2 among birthing parents compared to similarly aged women and men in the general population; and the additional risk posed by allowing partners in. Birthing parents often shared infection status and had a slightly lower incidence rate than the general population in the peripartum period. They should not be considered a high-risk group for SARS-CoV-2 infections.

Keywords

• Covid-19
• Pandemic
• Preparedness
• Peripartum care
• Birth
• Infection control