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Review
. 2021 Apr 1;33(2):181-187.
doi: 10.1097/MOP.0000000000001004.

Consequences of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in the perinatal period

Mark L Hudak  1
Affiliations
Review

Consequences of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in the perinatal period

Mark L Hudak. Curr Opin Pediatr. .

Abstract

Purpose of review: To provide an update on the consequences of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV-2 infection on the health and perinatal outcomes of pregnant women and their infants.

Recent findings: The severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection is greater in pregnant compared to nonpregnant women as measured by rates of admission to intensive care units, mechanical ventilation, mortality, and morbidities including myocardial infarction, venous thromboembolic and other thrombotic events, preeclampsia, preterm labor, and preterm birth. The risk of transmission from mother-to-infant is relatively low (1.5-5%) as quantitated by neonatal SARS-CoV-2 testing. Infants appear to be at higher risk of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 if the mother has tested positive within 1 week of delivery or is herself symptomatic at the time of maternity admission. The rate of positivity is not higher in infants who room in with the mother compared to infants who are initially separated and cared for in a SARS-CoV-2-free environment. Infants who test positive in the hospital have no or mild signs of disease, most of which may be attributable to prematurity, and rarely require readmission for clinical signs consistent with COVID-19.

Summary: Pregnant women should take precautions to avoid infection with SARS-CoV-2. Infants born to mothers who test positive for SARS-CoV-2 can receive normal neonatal care in-hospital with their mothers if mother and staff adhere to recommended infection control practices.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Box 1
Box 1
no caption available
FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Number of infants in the AAP Registry with clinical signs of illness.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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    2. This is a comprehensive and current review of aspects of perinatal COVID-19 beyond the scope of this article

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    2. This article provides insight into reasons minority populations are disproportionately affected by SARS-CoV-2.

MeSH terms