Effects of COVID-19 infection during pregnancy

Abstract

Women develop important changes in their cardiovascular and respiratory systems during pregnancy. They also have important changes in their immune system which are necessary to tolerate foreign fetal tissue. These expected alterations can increase the likelihood of poor outcomes with certain respiratory infections, especially viral infection. There is extensive literature describing COVID-19 in pregnant women, and there is evidence that this virus can infect the placenta, raising implications for maternal-fetal transmission. Women who contract COVID-19 during pregnancy are at increased risk of preterm labor and other perinatal complications when compared to non-pregnant women. Trials on the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy are in progress; several reproductive societies have recommended that women who are planning to get pregnant or are pregnant should get vaccination since there are few reports of adverse events in pregnant women who have received vaccines. Healthcare providers will need to address concerns of infertility, the possibility of vertical transmission, and neonatal infection with women regarding timely vaccination against this disease and other necessary precautions.

Keywords: coronavirus, COVID-19, pregnancy, placental pathology, vertical transmission