Pregnancy and COVID-19: a systematic review of maternal, obstetric and neonatal outcomes

Background: There is limited information related to COVID-19 in pregnancy.

Objectives: Evaluate the impact of COVID-19 during pregnancy. Search strategy: Searches were systematically carried out in PubMed, Scopus database and WHO database. Selection criteria: Studies with information related to the effects of COVID-19 in pregnancy, concerning maternal, obstetric, and neonatal outcomes were included. Data collection and analysis: Data were extracted for systematic review following PRISMA guidelines. CARE and STROBE were used to evaluate the quality of data. Main Results: A total of 8 studies involving 95 pregnant women and 51 neonates were included. Overall, the quality was considered good in four studies, moderate in three and poor in one. Among pregnant women, 26% had a history of epidemiological exposure to SARS-CoV-2. The most common symptoms presented were fever (55%), cough (38%) and fatigue (11%). In 50 deliveries, 94% were cesarean sections and 35% were preterm births. Of the 51 neonates, 20% had low birth weight and 1 tested positive for Sars-CoV-2. There was 1 neonatal death, not related to the viral infection, and no cases of severe neonatal asphyxia.

Conclusions: The information compiled in this systematic review may help healthcare providers administer the best possible care.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; maternal outcomes; neonatal outcomes; obstetric outcomes.