Impact of COVID-19 on Pregnancy and Childbirth: A Systematic Literature
Review of Recent Evidence
Abstract
Aim: To evaluate the pathogenesis, risk factors, diagnosis and
management strategies in pregnant women suspected or confirmed with
COVID-19 infection. Methods: A literature review of published articles
was carried out using keywords of corona virus (and its root
derivatives), pregnancy, vertical transmission and childbirth in
Medline, Cochrane, CINAHL, Clinicaltrials.gov and Web of Sciences.
Clinical articles including case-control, case reports, case series and
reviews published between 2019 and 2020, in English language were
included. Editorials and Letter to Editors were not included. Two
independent authors reviewed title and abstract of the articles and
another set of two independent authors screened full text. A total of 22
articles were shortlisted for addition into the final manuscript
Results: A total of 403 pregnancies were considered in the study with
most of the patients in the third trimester of pregnancy. There was no
maternal mortality reported in the literature, however 1.49% fetal
mortality has been reported. Conclusion: The ideal management revolves
around, rapid detection, prompt diagnosis and effective isolation.