Impact of COVID-19 during pregnancy

Abstract

Introduction: In early December 2019, residents in Wuhan city reported several patients with pneumonia of unknown origin, and a study found a source of a type of coronavirus called COVID-19. In the early phases of the pandemic, the mortality rate was approximately 2%, with 2 the highest percentage of deaths occurring in the elderly and people with underlying illnesses.

Aims: To determine the impact of COVID-19 virus on pregnant women.

Materials and Methods: We searched PubMed and Medline, using variant keyword headings and word combinations for "COVID-19" and "pregnancy" to identify primary case reports, case series and randomised controlled trials describing women of any age affected by coronavirus during pregnancy.

Results: 156 pregnant women with COVID-19 were identified and 108 newborns (including 4 sets of twins and 10 stillbirths) were included in this review. Mothers' ages ranged from 22 to 42 years.

Conclusions: In hospitalised mothers infected with coronavirus infections, including COVID-19, >90% of whom also had pneumonia, preterm delivery is the most unfavourable and common pregnancy outcome. COVID-19 infection was associated with increased rates (and pooled proportions) mainly preterm delivery, followed later by preeclampsia, caesarean section and perinatal death.