Pregnant Women Affected by COVID-19 in Veracruz, Mexico

Abstract

Introduction: Currently, maternal-fetal vertical transmission has not been reliably demonstrated; however, it has been shown that when there is a maternal cytokine storm, it can severely affect the fetus, leading to risks of fetal brain development abnormalities and risks of autism spectrum disorders. Materials and Methods: In a descriptive and retrospective study carried out from June 2021 to June 2022, admitting pregnant patients over 18 years of age with a diagnosis of COVID-19 by positive antigen test or PCR-RT, previous symptoms and comorbidities are analysed, as well as the presence of obstetric complications. associated and the use of vaccines during pregnancy. Results: 58 pregnant women with an established diagnosis of COVID-19 are entered into the study; the average age is 28 years; regarding comorbidities; only 2 reported suffering from chronic hypertension and 10 are overweight/obese. 40 patients were reported during the 3rd wave of COVID (June to December 2021) dominated by the Delta variant and 18 patients during the 4th wave dominated by Omicron (January to June 2022). According to the gestation trimesters, the majority were in the first trimester with 32 patients (55%), in the second trimester with 18 patients (31%), and only 8 patients in the third trimester (14%). Only 10 patients (17%) presented obstetric events associated with acute COVID-19 infection, highlighting threatened abortion and threatened preterm labour. Conclusion: This cohort of pregnant patients with COVID-19 infection, remained free of serious disease thanks to vaccination, and being a young and healthy population, the importance of preventive vaccination in the gestation stage is of utmost relevance to avoid both serious maternal illness as well as poor fetal outcomes. Similarly, the virulence and pathogenicity of some strains over others are notorious.