Maternal human papillomavirus infections at mid-pregnancy and delivery in a Scandinavian mother–child cohort study

•High human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence found in pregnant women in Scandinavia.•Women aged 35–44 had high, high-risk-HPV prevalence at mid-gestation and delivery.•HPV16 was the most prevalent and persistent genotype.•Low viral load was associated with HPV clearance.•Short relationship with child’s father and alcohol use associated with HPV prevalence. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are common, especially during women’s reproductive years, with unclear obstetrical impact. This study aimed to identify HPV prevalence at mid-gestation and delivery, type-specific persistence from mid-gestation to delivery, and risk factors for HPV infection and persistence. In 757 women from a Scandinavian prospective mother–child cohort, HPV was analyzed in first-void urine samples at mid-gestation and delivery. We used Seegene Anyplex II HPV28 PCR assay for genotyping and semi-quantifying 28 genital HPV genotypes, including 12 high-risk HPVs (HR-HPV). Socio-demographic and health data were collected through e-questionnaires. Any-HPV genotype (any of 28 assessed) was detected in 38% of the study cohort at mid-gestation and 28% at delivery, and HR-HPVs in 24% and 16%, respectively. The most prevalent genotype was HPV16: 6% at mid-gestation and 4% at delivery. Persistence of Any-HPV genotype was 52%, as was HR-HPV genotype-specific persistence. A short pre-conception relationship with the child’s father and alcohol intake during pregnancy increased HPV infection risk at both time points. Low viral load at mid-gestation was associated with clearance of HPV infections at delivery. HPV prevalence was higher at mid-gestation compared with delivery, and low viral load was associated with clearance of HPV at delivery.