Abstract:
Pregnancy is a special time, full of excitement and
anticipation, but for expectant mothers facing the outbreak
of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), fear, anxiety and
uncertainty are clouding this otherwise happy time.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to the
deadliest pandemic observed in more than a 100 years.1
Around 131 million women give birth annually. This
population is particularly vulnerable to emerging infectious
pathogens due to alterations in immune, respiratory, and
cardiovascular physiology that occurs during pregnancy.
Recent outbreaks of severe acute respiratory syndrome,
Middle East respiratory syndrome, influenza H1N1, Ebola
virus disease, and Zika virus disease resulted in high rates
of maternal morbidity and mortality, fetal loss, and fetal
harm. Fortunately early data regarding pregnancy outcomes
in COVID-19 are reassuring: maternal outcomes are similar
to non-pregnant adults; vertical transmission and neonatal
infection are rare. However pregnant women remain at risk
of severe disease requiring intensive care, and they deserve
equity to access therapeutic options guided by rigorous
scientific data.2-3 More than 90% of infected mothers
recovered without undergoing delivery.3
Pregnant women should follow the same recommendations
as non pregnant individuals to avoid exposure to the virus
such as social distancing, hand hygiene, disinfecting surfaces
and wearing a mask in public. All pregnant women should
be monitored for development of symptoms and signs of
COVID-19, particularly if they have had close contact with
a confirmed case or persons under investigation.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
(ACOG) has developed algorithms to evaluate pregnant
outpatients with suspected or confirmed COVID-194.Patients
having symptoms compatible with COVID-19, the severity
of illness, underlying co-morbidities, and clinical status
should be assessed to determine the potential need for
hospitalization.