Perinatal Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT

Background: Following the pandemic caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), and considering its capacity for rapid mutation, there have been many studies and articles on this novel coronavirus over the past three years. Therefore, providing knowledge and directions for management of SARS-CoV-2, for hospital staff is crucial. Hence, we collected the research information from different perspectives and summarized the guidelines for perinatal care on the topic of SARS-CoV-2, and for possible future viral pandemics. Method(s) A systematic review aimed at assessing the publications written in English and Chinese, offering different perspectives on the topic of perinatal care concerning SARS-CoV-2, was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar from 2020 to 2022. In addition, we summarized the guidelines from the Taiwan Association of Obstetrics and Gynecology, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Maternal Immunization Task Force and Partners, and Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. Result(s) Due to physiological changes, pregnant patients may be prone to have complications, especially pre-eclampsia, affecting morbidity and mortality. Most neonates of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infected mothers did not show any clinical abnormalities due to the infection. However, compared to the general population, infected neonates needed more invasive ventilation care, while the proportion of asymptomatic neonates was less than that in the general population. Further, long term complications are still under investigation. Evidence of vertical transmission via the placenta and umbilical cord is rare but not absent. Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir) can be administered to patients with comorbidities, and indications for cesarean delivery does not include COVID-19 infection. Vaccination against COVID-19 should not be delayed during pregnancy and lactation. Conclusion(s) Obstetricians and gynecologists should pay more attention to pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 because of the physiological changes and higher risks of complications, morbidity, and mortality. Early prevention with vaccination in pregnant women is the key to controlling the COVID-19 pandemic, from which we can learn how to manage the next pandemic.Copyright © 2023 The Author(s).