A Narrative Review of the Risks of Covid-19 Vertical Transmission during Pregnancy

  • Kanwar Hamza Shuja Quaid-e-Azam University Islamabad, Pakistan https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8460-0852
  • Sohaib Shahid Department of Plant Protection, Qingdao Agricultural University, 700 Changcheng Rd, Chengyang District, Qingdao, Shandong, China.
  • Mehak Haroon National Institute of Psychology (NIP), Quaid-I-Azam University (New Campus), Postcode 45320, Shahdra Road (off Main Murree Road), Islamabad, PAKISTAN
  • Aneeqa Rauf National Institute of Psychology (NIP), Quaid-I-Azam University (New Campus), Postcode 45320, Shahdra Road (off Main Murree Road), Islamabad, PAKISTAN
Keywords: pregnancy, new-born, COVID-19, health professionals, interventions

Abstract

 

Background: With the start of COVID-19, a general concern for the health and safety of people remained the chief priority for medical health professionals. Likewise, one concern which was initially overlooked was for the pregnant women and the new-born child’s health during the pandemic. With recent reports of an excessive increase in pregnancy during lockdown, it is a critical area to consider that whether there is a chance of vertical transmission of the infectious disease from the mother to the fetus.

Methods: Using narrative review approach the present study endeavored in highlighting the importance of protecting expecting mothers and their infants upon birth from COVID-19. The study collected all the relevant literature on the matter of pregnancy during COVID-19 and its impact using key terms such as pregnancy, COVID-19, vertical transmission Moreover, the study tried suggesting recommendations based on literature review.

Results: It can be inferred that though currently not enough evidence has been brought into light to suggest pregnant mothers or the infant children as vulnerable, however proper precautionary measures must be taken during these testing times to subdue the imminent threat coronavirus can brought on to the mother or child.  

Conclusions: The current study is an attempt to call out to the official authorities and health professionals to develop policies and interventions to support the mother and child during the birthing process and take in consideration the suggested recommendations.

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Published
2020-08-23
Issue
Vol 4 No 2 (2020): Covid-19 and Mental Health Issues
Section
Articles