Maternal and child health in the context of COVID-19 pandemic: evidence, recommendations and challenges

Abstract

Objectives: to present the main evidence, recommendations and challenges for maternal and child health in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: narrative review of national and international documents and reflections on the theme. Results: the coexistence ofpregnancy/puerperium and COVID-19 infection establishes many challenges. It is extremely important that the conduct should be individually adopted, covering all aspects of health in the mother-child binomial, estimating risks and benefits of each decision. Until now, it is recognized that natural childbirth should be encouraged and breastfeeding maintained, if adequate hygienic-sanitary care is ensured. Cesarean delivery and the isolation and separation of the mother-child contact without breastfeeding, will only be eligible when the clinical status of the mother or child is critical. The child must be included in all stages of health care, as this commonly asymptomatic group plays an important role in the family's transmissibility of the disease. Routine immunization should be provided, as well as clinical assistance when necessary, and families must be assisted in favor of their well-being. Conclusion: at the moment, it is not possible to measure the consequences of this new pandemic on maternal and child health, demanding attention to its evolution and new evidences about the implications in mother and child care.