Impact of COVID-19 on pathophysiological changes on feto-maternal health and treatment strategies: A literature review

Abstract

Aim: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, physiological changes in pregnancy have placed both the mother and the fetus at potential risk of infection. Particularly, changes in cardiovascular function, the coagulation cascade, the immune system, and the respiratory system may be instrumental in the COVID-19 disease progression. Since this is a novel virus, the management, treatment, and prevention of COVID-19 is still evolving in general and obstetric patients as well. Therefore, it has become very crucial to study its effect on pregnancy and how providers adapted new practices pragmatically without prior scientific data. Our goal is to focus on addressing these issues systematically. Methods: We selected all the peer-reviewed articles on pregnancy-related to COVID-19 infection. Search terms were COVID-19, coronavirus, pregnancy, and maternal health using google scholar, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and PubMed. Results: We demonstrated the direct and indirect impact of COVID-19 on maternal health, including physical, mental, and social effects. We primarily highlighted case series and cohort studies discussing the clinical course, management, pathophysiological (immunological) changes, and the outcomes of COVID-19 infection in pregnant women. Conclusion: We discussed the physiological, pathological, and mental health changes in pregnant women with COVID-19 infection and the current evolving management plans, treatment approaches, and preventive measures to combat the disease. A global effort in further research is essential to determine and minimize the impact of COVID-19 on pregnant women and their outcomes.