Covid-19 in pregnant women and babies: What pediatricians need to know

Henry J Rozycki1, Sailesh Kotecha2

  • 1Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU, Richmond, VA, USA.

Insights

This review covers COVID-19 effects on neonates. While pregnant women may face risks, preliminary data shows low severe illness in newborns, with unknown vertical transmission risks.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 caused a global pandemic starting in late 2019.
  • COVID-19 has had an unprecedented impact on patients and healthcare delivery.
  • Understanding the effects on neonates is crucial for healthcare providers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 in neonates.
  • To discuss implications for neonatal care, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and milk banks.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of available data on SARS-CoV-2 in pregnant women and neonates.
  • Analysis of preliminary epidemiological information and clinical descriptions.

Main Results:

  • Viral carriage prevalence in pregnant women varies (3-13%) based on geographic location.
  • 3.1% of neonates born to mothers with COVID-19 tested positive within a week.
  • Of 26 neonates studied, none died, and only one required intensive care.

Conclusions:

  • Preliminary data does not strongly support increased risk for pregnant women despite ACE2 expression.
  • Vertical transmission risk is currently unknown but appears low based on limited data.
  • Neonates generally experience mild illness, but risks for breastfeeding and milk banks require consideration.

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