Considerations for Pregnant Dental and Health Care Workers amid COVID-19

Abstract

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious disease that quickly reached pandemic levels. Over 5 million COVID-19 cases and approximately 330,000 deaths have been recorded worldwide. Transmission is primarily spread through direct, indirect (through contaminated objects or surfaces), or close contact with infected people via respiratory droplets, the mouth, and/or nose secretions. Health care professionals (HCPs), including dental HCPs, are recognized to be at considerably high risk for infection due to the close proximity to patients and aerosol-generating procedures. During pregnancy, HCPs may be at even higher risk since pregnancy substantially increases the susceptibility to infectious diseases. Objectives: Here, we present the posed risks and potential effects of COVID-19 on maternal and fetal health. Current prevention and management strategies for COVID-19 on pregnant dental and HCPs are also discussed. Results: Significant progress is being made in understanding the pathogenesis and clinical consequences of COVID-19. Pregnant women are affected more adversely with viral illnesses, although evidence of vertical transmission of COVID-19 is controversial. Based on the presence of atypical symptoms, the significant numbers of asymptomatic individuals who are COVID-19 positive, and the high susceptibility to viral diseases observed in pregnant women, recommendations have been put forth to limit the exposure of COVID-19–positive or even suspected cases to pregnant HCPs, and these are likely to evolve as new information becomes available. Conclusion: Pregnant HCPs require extra caution: not only are they considered a high-risk population, but their work at the frontline in a pandemic may expose them to additional risks. Complete awareness of the effects of COVID-19 on maternal and fetal/infant health, as well as prevention and management guidelines for pregnant HCPs, will allow for a safer work environment. Health care institutional policies aimed at protecting pregnant HCPs should consider avoiding their assignment as first responders, especially if equally trained staff are available. Knowledge Transfer Statement: Dental and health care professionals can use the information in this review to improve their awareness of COVID-19 risks, signs, and symptoms and the associated effects on the health of pregnant health care professionals and their unborn/newborn children.

Women healthcare workers’ experiences during COVID-19 and other crises: A scoping review

“…Findings point to a number of important recommendations to better support women healthcare workers, including workplace mental health support, economic assistance to counteract widening pay gaps, and strategies to support families in their caregiving duties ( Jones et al 2020 ; Mann et al 2020 ; Mercer et al 2014 ; Samouei et al 2019 ). Additionally, strategies that support and advance women's careers and increase women's representation in leadership are an important way to combat gender-blindness in healthcare systems and ensure that the needs of women healthcare workers are addressed during the COVID-19 pandemic and in future health crises ( van Daalen et al 2020 ; Jones et al 2020 ).…”

Sick leaves among healthy pregnant Croatian healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic due to loopholes in the occupational safety system

“…It is well known that healthcare workers (HCWs) were one of the most exposed groups to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic due to the nature of their work and their role in containing the pandemic ( 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ). Considering that pregnant women are more susceptible to infections ( 5 ) and develop severe clinical forms of the disease ( 6 ), several organisations and health and safety at work experts ( 1 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ) suggested that pregnant HCWs should stop working with patients with suspected or proven SARS-CoV-2 infection, but there is little information about pregnant HCWs and their challenges with exposure to SARS-CoV-2 at the workplace during the pandemic.…”