COVID-19 during pregnancy: a narrative.

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) poses a significant public health threat, especially to vulnerable groups.
• Pregnant women are at increased risk of infection due to immunological changes.
• Limited data exists on COVID-19's impact on pregnancy outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize available literature on COVID-19 in pregnant women.
• To understand clinical manifestations, maternal complications, and fetal outcomes.
• To assess the potential for maternal-fetal transmission of SARS-CoV-2.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science.
• Articles published between December 2019 and May 30, 2020, were included.
• Search terms included COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, and 2019-nCoV.

Main Results:

• Clinical symptoms in pregnant women mirrored the general population, with fever being most common (77-86%).
• Maternal complications included prematurity (47%) and pneumonia (40%); severe illness was rare (4.4%).
• Newborns experienced fetal distress, prematurity, and respiratory distress; maternal-fetal transmission was not ruled out (8.5% positive tests).

Conclusions:

• COVID-19 in pregnant women generally presents similarly to the non-pregnant population.
• Prematurity and pneumonia are significant maternal-perinatal complications.
• Further research is crucial for management protocols and understanding newborn transmission.