Coronavirus disease 2019 and pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Viral respiratory infections historically pose risks to pregnant individuals.
• COVID-19 data in pregnant women is limited, but severe outcomes aren't definitively higher than the general population.
• Comorbidities like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension increase COVID-19 severity in pregnant women, mirroring general population trends.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on COVID-19 in pregnant women.
• To assess risks of severe morbidity and mortality.
• To evaluate the potential for vertical transmission and implications for newborns.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature and case reports on COVID-19 in pregnancy.
• Analysis of data from the current COVID-19 outbreak and previous coronavirus epidemics (SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV).
• Examination of studies on viral presence in reproductive fluids and breast milk.

Main Results:

• No increased risk of severe morbidity or mortality from COVID-19 in pregnant women compared to the general population has been demonstrated.
• Pregnant women with comorbidities show increased disease severity, consistent with the general population.
• The risk of vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 appears low; virus not detected in genital fluid, amniotic fluid, or maternal milk.
• Newborn infections are likely due to horizontal transmission, emphasizing hygiene during breastfeeding.

Conclusions:

• COVID-19 in pregnancy requires ongoing data collection due to limited current knowledge.
• Vertical transmission risk is low, but horizontal transmission necessitates precautions.
• Further research into SARS-CoV-2 mechanisms and updated prevention strategies are crucial.