A Review of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Pregnancy

Abstract

Pregnancy is an independent risk factor for morbidity and mortality in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with increased rates of operative delivery, intensive care unit admission, and mechanical ventilation as well as a possible increased risk of death, independent of other risk factors, compared with nonpregnant women with COVID-19. Furthermore, pregnancy outcomes are worse in those with COVID-19 with increased risk for preeclampsia, venous thromboembolism, preterm birth, miscarriage, and stillbirth compared with pregnant women without COVID-19. Importantly, pregnant women of nonwhite ethnicity appear to be at greater risk of severe COVID-19, necessitating improved access to care and closer monitoring in these women. The management of COVID-19 in pregnancy is largely similar to that in nonpregnant people; however, there is an important emphasis on multidisciplinary team involvement to ensure favorable outcomes in both mother and baby. Similarly, vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is safe in pregnancy and improves maternal and neonatal outcomes.