Impact of COVID-19 on neonatal health: Are we causing more harm than good?

Abstract

Dear Editor, Currently, the evidence shows that pregnant women who get the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) disease are not at a higher risk of serious complications compared to healthy non-pregnant adults1. However, we know from studies and national reports that maternal comorbidities are increasing2,3 and that a sub-population of pregnant women will be at increased risk of COVID-19 complications. At the moment it is believed that COVID-19 does not cause any problems with fetal development1 but may increase the risk of preterm delivery. A recent rapid review4, of 23 studies examining COVID-19 in pregnancy, reported a preterm delivery rate of 47%. Given the predicted increase in the cases of COVID-19 in the coming weeks, it is reasonable to assume that preterm deliveries will also increase