SARS Cov-2 infection in pregnancy

Abstract

Introduction. Due to the rapid spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the increased incidence of COVID19, certain categories of people, such as pregnant women, become vulnerable to infection. The risks of exposing pregnant women to this new type of infection are not entirely known, and many data are being updated. Based on published studies, pregnant women don’t have a higher risk of contracting SARS-CoV2 virus than the general population, and there is no evidence to suggest an increased risk of miscarriage compared to other viral infections. What we do know is that pregnancy, in a small percentage, can change the way the body responds to severe viral infections. Aim of study. Assessment of the method of termination of pregnancy and the impact of COVID-19 on newborns. Methods and materials. The study included 80 COVID-positive pregnant women hospitalised at the Mother and Child Institute. The investigation of the patients included the anamnesis and the history of the disease, the clinical manifestations, the results of the paraclinical examinations, the way of completing the pregnancy and the condition of the newborns. Results. During 2021, a total of 80 COVID-positive pregnant women with a severe and moderate form of the disease were hospitalised in the Maternal and Child Institute clinic, in the intensive care unit. The age of the patients included in the study was between 18-25 years -7 patients (8.7%), 21-25 years -5 patients (6.2%), 26-30 years -26 patients (32.5%), 31-35 years -25 patients (31.2%) and over 36 years -17 patients (21, 2%). The term of pregnancy varied between: less than 27 weeks -26 cases (32.5%), 28-32 weeks -24 cases (30%), 33-36 weeks -19 cases (23.7%) and greater than 36 weeks -10 cases (12.5%). Patients were hospitalised mostly from 11-20 days in the intensive care unit - 44 cases (55%). Pregnancy was completed per vias naturales in 7 cases (8.7%), of which 2 births with antenatal death of the fetus and 39 cases (48.7%) were completed by cesarean section, of which 34 - urgent and 5 - planned. Cesarean section was performed on maternal indications in 27 cases (69%) and in 9 cases (23%) on fetal indications. Conclusion. 1. SARS CoV-2 infection is most commonly found at the term of pregnancy up to 27 weeks. 2. In pregnant women with severe forms of infection, the pregnancy was completed by urgent cesarean section, at maternal indications. 3. As a result of the severe complications associated with prematurity, 8 newborns died in the early neonatal period and 39 children were discharged at home in a satisfactory condition.