Perinatal aspects on the covid-19 pandemic: a practical resource for perinatal-neonatal specialists

J Perinatol. 2020 May;40(5):820-826. doi: 10.1038/s41372-020-0665-6. Epub 2020 Apr 10.

Abstract

Background: Little is known about the perinatal aspects of COVID-19.

Objective: To summarize available evidence and provide perinatologists/neonatologists with tools for managing their patients.

Methods: Analysis of available literature on COVID-19 using Medline and Google scholar.

Results: From scant data: vertical transmission from maternal infection during the third trimester probably does not occur or likely it occurs very rarely. Consequences of COVID-19 infection among women during early pregnancy remain unknown. We cannot conclude if pregnancy is a risk factor for more severe disease in women with COVID-19. Little is known about disease severity in neonates, and from very few samples, the presence of SARS-CoV-2 has not been documented in human milk. Links to websites of organizations with updated COVID-19 information are provided. Infographics summarize an approach to the pregnant woman or neonate with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.

Conclusions: As the pandemic continues, more data will be available that could lead to changes in current knowledge and recommendations.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Betacoronavirus
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections* / epidemiology
  • Coronavirus Infections* / prevention & control
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / prevention & control*
  • Male
  • Pandemics* / prevention & control
  • Pneumonia, Viral* / epidemiology
  • Pneumonia, Viral* / prevention & control
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / virology*
  • Risk Factors
  • SARS-CoV-2