ABSTRACT
Objectives: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is evolving rapidly worldwide. However, little is known about the association between pregnant women with COVID-19 and its transmission to neonates. This investigation aimed to see if COVID-19 infection could be transmitted vertically into the uterus. Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study. 48 COVID-19 infected mothers were enrolled during their third trimester. A qRT-PCR assay of the nasal and oropharyngeal swab samples was performed to confirm positive for COVID-19 infection as per WHO protocol. In addition, characteristics of pregnant women with confirmed SARS -CoV-2 infection and newborns were documented. Results: Forty-eight expectant mothers, 10 (20.8%) were found symptomatic, and 38 (79.2%) were asymptomatic, with COVID-19 infection were delivered (33 cesarean section & 15 vaginal deliveries). One female child (4.1%) out of 48 newborns was initially diagnosed with COVID-19 infection based on a nucleic acid qRT-PCR. The female child showed no or negligible signs and recovered completely, whereas 47 neonates (95.9%) confirmed negative. None of the mothers or neonates died from COVID-19 related pulmonary problems. Conclusion: There is insufficient evidence on vertical virologic transmission of COVID-19 infection during the third trimester of pregnancy. Additionally, research and surveillance involving adequate testing of samples of placental tissue, breast milk, vaginal swab, amniotic fluid, and cord blood will be needed to establish the possibility of vertical transmission of infection. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Journal of Microbiology & Infectious Diseases is the property of Journal of Microbiology & Infectious Diseases and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)
ABSTRACT
A 31-year-old woman (gravida 3, para 2) presented at hospital in the 33rd week of gestation with concerns of general malaise, a productive cough, and impaired taste. She was diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) after a nasal antigen test; a computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest showed pneumonia. The patient developed dyspnea on the third day of hospitalization, and it worsened the following day. Oxygen inhalation and steroid administration were started. Since the dyspnea was worsening, an emergency cesarean delivery was performed to allow intensification of maternal treatment. A postoperative CT scan showed that the pneumonia was getting worse, and the administration of remdesivir was started immediately. The dyspnea improved rapidly, and medication was discontinued on postoperative day 4. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 6. Thus, a patient in the third trimester of pregnancy with COVID-19 whose respiratory condition worsened was successfully treated by early delivery and subsequent intensive treatment.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The rapid pace of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic (COVID-19) presents significant challenges to midwives and nurses. This study aimed to explore midwifery and nursing interventions to limit the transmission of COVID-19 among women in their third trimester of pregnancy, to reduce the incidence of nosocomial infection and promote safety of care for women and their infants. METHOD: We completed a retrospective review of medical records from 35 women in their third trimester of pregnancy with SARS-CoV-2, admitted to one hospital in Wuhan, China in January and February 2020. We investigated the clinical characteristics of the COVID-19 infection in pregnancy, and the individualized midwifery and nursing care offered, including environmental protection, prevention of nosocomial infection, maternal observations, monitoring of signs and symptoms of COVID-19, and psychological care. RESULT: Thirty-one women had a caesarean section, and four had vaginal births. Retrospective analysis of midwifery and nursing strategies implemented to care for these women showed no maternal complications or nosocomial infections. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The care strategies we implemented could prevent complications and nosocomial infection in the third trimester of pregnancy, thus ensuring the safety of women and their infants. Further research needs to determine treatment priorities for women infected with COVID-19 during pregnancy and the postnatal period.