Managing Pregnancy in COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: The outbreak Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory tract infection caused by a highly contagious and lethal beta coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which has spread fast to become a pandemic. Pregnancy alters body physiology and immune systems can have worse effects of some respiratory infections and due to limited research and published data, we still are in dilemma of appropriate management guidelines. This article covers the updated guidelines for infection prevention and control (IPC), screening, sampling,, antenatal visit schedules, risk scoring, triaging, supportive care, delivery, postpartum care and care of the newborn. Aim and Objectives: This article aims to provide up-to-date information as per recent guidelines of various association which would serve as guidance in managing pregnant women and newborn with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. Material and Method: All the published papers till date, NCPRE [i], WHO Interim guidelines [iii], RCOG [iv], FOGS GCPRI [vi], Medical Council of India [vii], ICMR [xiii], MOFHW [xv], CDC [xxxv], ACOG [xxxvi] guidelines are referred to compile this article to reach a conclusion of evidence-based management of pregnant ladies during Covid-19 pandemic. Conclusion: Data is very limited and hence very difficult to accurately define clinical management strategies and needs to be constantly updated.