COVID-19 and antenatal care: An update

Abstract

Dear Editor, COVID-19 infection, due to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has become a pandemic globally and has challenged many health systems with a shortage of resources and caused an outcry from all corners1. COVID-19 infection has shown detrimental effects on vulnerable people such as those with weak immune systems, among them the elderly and those with pre-existing illnesses2. With this in mind, questions arise on how this infection affects pregnant women and their unborn babies. The majority of pregnant women and newborns represent a unique population and are mostly healthy, but few may experience life events that bring physical, emotional, functional and social challenges and needs, requiring safe and personalised care during the current COVID-19 pandemic3. There are palpable fears of COVID-19 effects on pregnancy, although not much information is available to support this4. Over this time, the priority in pregnant women's care has been to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 and provide safe care to those susceptible to COVID-19.