Pregnancy and COVID-19: what anesthesiologists should know.

Abstract

Anesthetic management of parturients with COVID-19 is a big challenge to anesthesiologists. Limited data are available about COVID-19 during pregnancy; however, information on illnesses associated with SARS and MERS might provide insights into COVID-19's effects during pregnancy. Evidence from previous reports from SARS and MERS, and from COVID-19 cases were reviewed. Concepts from guidelines from the government and academic societies were collected as well. The evidence was described and summarized. Principles to minimize the risk of infection as well as optimize patients' safety during obstetric anesthesia were found to include careful evaluation, tight protection, and multi-discipline-based strategy. Though vertical transmission of COVID-19 still needs more definitive evidence, strict isolation is necessary for the newborn of COVID-19 mothers. Psychological support for the parturients is also an important issue during COVID-19 pandemic.