Impact of COVID-19 on pregnancy and delivery - current knowledge

Abstract

The World Health Organization announced on 12 March 2020 a global pandemic of the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus causing COVID-19 disease associated with pneumonia and acute respiratory failure. SARS-CoV-2 has caused so far over 6.66 million recorded cases, of which 393,000 ended in death (as of June 1, 2020). Despite the demographic statistics of incidence, there is no current recording of cases in the group of pregnant or perinatal women. Changes occurring in the female body system during pregnancy also affect and alter the immune system, and as studies based on other viral respiratory infections have shown, the population of pregnant women is at risk of having a severe course of the disease. The aim of the study is to summarize current reports on the course of COVID-19 disease in a group of pregnant women and the possible impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the foetus and vertical transmission, taking into account changes occurring in the woman's immune system during pregnancy. Available advice and recommendations for antenatal and perinatal care of pregnant women during the pandemic period are also included.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; breastfeeding; coronavirus; delivery; pregnancy.