Management of Viral Complications of Pregnancy: Pharmacotherapy to Reduce Vertical Transmission

Abstract

Viral infections are common complications of pregnancy. Although some infections have maternal sequelae, many viral infections can be perinatally transmitted to cause congenital or chronic infection in fetuses or infants. Treatments of such infections are geared toward reducing maternal symptoms and complications and toward preventing maternal-to-child transmission of viruses. The authors review updates in the treatment of herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus, hepatitis B and C viruses, human immunodeficiency virus, and COVID-19 during pregnancy.

Keywords: COVID-19; Cytomegalovirus; Herpes simplex virus; Human immunodeficiency virus; Maternal-to-child transmission; Pregnancy; Viral hepatitis; Viral infections.