Abstract
Abstract Objectives: reviewing the available literature on COVID-19 infection and the maternal and perinatal outcomes. Methods: this is a narrative review of the literature carried out from March to September 2020, usingthe MESH: coronavirus, Covid 19, SARS-CoV-2, pregnancy, gravidity, pregnancy complications and pregnancy complications infectius. All study designs, reviews, recommendations and technical notes were included, without distinction of language and that would bring the approach of the new coronavirus in the gestational and perinatal scenario. Results: the COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating effects, affecting millions of people and claiming almost a million lives worldwide. Initially, pregnant women were not seen as a risk group for the disease, however as the proportion of women affected during the pregnancy-puerperal cycle increased, several studies were published showing an increased risk of complications. Brazilian studies have also warned of a high number of maternal deaths, associated with the presence of comorbidities but, above all, with the social determinants of the disease and serious failures in care. Conclusion: the need for new studies with an adequate research design was observed, as many studies are only letters or small series of cases, in addition expert recommendations, without the necessary scientific rigor.
Highlights
Some indirect consequences deserve to be mentioned: interruption in women’s health care; expanded demand for safe abortion services, related to the lack of contraceptives or fear of unknown consequences of COVID-19; increase in maternal death due to cases not related to COVID-19, to readjustments in health services or lack of resource allocation;[3] difficulty in restructuring of women care services to return to the pre-pandemic levels;[4] consequences of the increase in domestic and gender based violence, due to the social distancing policy and/or quarantine;[5] negative psychological effect, including posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, confusion and anger;[6] discrimination associated with COVID-19 and its effects in patients and healthcare providers; aspects related to women’s mental health, once mental disorders may increase significantly.[7]
The number of entrances in maternity hospital should be limited, ensuring that everyone will be screened for signs and symptoms of COVID-19.42 It is essential to create a checklist of screening, allowing the identification of suspect cases, confirmed or not
It is recommended to use corticoids in case of risk of prematurity, being preferable betamethasone in order to not confuse with dexamethasone, which is used in severe cases for specific COVID-19 treatment
Summary
The disease caused by new coronavirus 19 (COVID19) determined severe direct and indirect repercussions over women’s reproductive health.[1,2] Some indirect consequences deserve to be mentioned: interruption in women’s health care; expanded demand for safe abortion services, related to the lack of contraceptives or fear of unknown consequences of COVID-19; increase in maternal death due to cases not related to COVID-19, to readjustments in health services or lack of resource allocation;[3] difficulty in restructuring of women care services to return to the pre-pandemic levels;[4] consequences of the increase in domestic and gender based violence, due to the social distancing policy and/or quarantine;[5] negative psychological effect, including posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, confusion and anger;[6] discrimination associated with COVID-19 and its effects in patients and healthcare providers; aspects related to women’s mental health, once mental disorders may increase significantly.[7]. 1. Screening of signs and symptoms The screening of pregnant women and their companions is of great relevance, and it should be executed in all attendance steps, outpatient prenatal and postpartum care and hospitalization of high-risk pregnancy, as well as labor and puerperium.[22] The number of entrances in maternity hospital should be limited, ensuring that everyone will be screened for signs and symptoms of COVID-19.42 It is essential to create a checklist of screening, allowing the identification of suspect cases, confirmed or not. Attendance room and isolation In suspect, probable or confirmed cases that need in-person, outpatient or hospital attendance, it is recommended that they be placed in isolation In this isolation rooms, the circulation of patients and health professionals should be limited to the sector.[46] If the screening sector of the maternity is contacted before the pregnant women arrives, the managers of the sector should organize and prepare resources. They are in isolation nurseries, specialized care and psychosocial support, as well as the multidisciplinary team, still important.[47]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
