Covid-19 disease effects on pregnancy: a review

Abstract

The objective of this review was to identify the most significant characteristics and outcomes of the pregnant individual infected with COVID-19 and to provide an overview during the perinatal period. Pregnant women are at a heightened risk to develop severe COVID-19 than the general population and numerous pregnancy complications have been observed throughout the pre and post pregnancy period. In this review, the key aspects of these concerns were to summarize a whole journey during pregnancy with COVID-19. We tried to find which ethnic group of women are susceptible to COVID-19 based on socio- economic settings, age, comorbidities etc. and how much severe and critical cases are found. We also looked for the possibility of intrauterine vertical transmission from mother to neonate with available data and research. Furthermore, the most recommended mode of delivery and vaccination and lactation safety for the mother and neonate were focused. However, limited data and small number of reported cases make it difficult to construct a conclusive argument whether, pregnancy increases the susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection or not, but the physical and immunological state of a pregnant person might trigger severe complications and make them vulnerable during delivery.