Abstract
Similar to previous outbreaks, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic will have both direct and indirect effects on perinatal outcomes, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Limited data on the direct impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection during pregnancy shows women who are Black, obese and with co-morbidities are at higher risk of hospitalisation due to COVID-19. Younger age groups in Africa and South Asia have shown increased COVID-19 mortality. Indigenous pregnant women in Pacific Island countries are likely to be high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19 due to high rates of diabetes and obesity. It is important to involve pregnant women in research, especially with regards to vaccine development and therapeutics.
Highlights
Similar to previous outbreaks, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19) pandemic will have both direct and indirect effects on perinatal outcomes, especially in low- and middle-income countries
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic will have a substantial impact on perinatal outcomes in low- and middle-income countries due to: the direct effect of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2); and its indirect effects on the disruption of essential maternity and newborn services[2]
A recent US study found that compared to controls, 16 placentas from women with SARS-CoV-2 infection exhibited a higher frequency of placental injury reflecting irregularities in oxygenation associated with adverse perinatal outcomes[5]
Summary
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic will have a substantial impact on perinatal outcomes in low- and middle-income countries due to: the direct effect of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2); and its indirect effects on the disruption of essential maternity and newborn services[2]. A recent US study found that compared to controls, 16 placentas from women with SARS-CoV-2 infection exhibited a higher frequency of placental injury reflecting irregularities in oxygenation associated with adverse perinatal outcomes[5] This corroborates with other reports of COVID-19 cases having large and small blood vessel pathology[6]. End the current pandemic, 7 billion people need to be vaccinated, including pregnant women Delays in including this vulnerable population in COVID-19 vaccine and other intervention studies, may erode the gains made in maternal and child health, globally, especially in resource-poor settings. Data availability Underlying data No data are associated with this article
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