PREGNANCY AND COVID 19- A VULNERABLE CONNECTION?
Kuntal Gupta*
ABSTRACT
The coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is highly contagious. The COVID-19 infection to pregnant women and the
potential risks of vertical transmission to the fetus have become a major issue. Since little is currently known about
COVID-19 in pregnancy, the understanding of COVID-19 in this particular group will be updated in time, and a
comprehensive review will be useful to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 in pregnancy. Physiological adaptations
in the immune system, respiratory system and hematological functions during pregnancy may have a significant
impact on the entry and progression of the infection by SARS-CoV-2 during this period. Pregnant subjects with
asymptomatic infection present a further challenge with respect to the provision, prevention, and management of
therapeutic approaches. The histological changes of placentas from pregnant women infected by SARS-CoV-2
were implicated by the expression of ACE2 receptors in the vascular endothelium. Pregnant women with COVID-
19 pneumonia show similar clinical characteristics compared with non-pregnant counterparts. The cytokine storm
triggered by the SARS-CoV-2 in the body, produce a series of immune responses, and cause changes in peripheral
leukocytes and immune system cells leading to pregnancy complications that may be associated with viral
infections. As the presence of virus in breast milk is not confirmed in most of the studies carried out, the experts
encourage breastfeeding for neonatal acquisition of protective antibodies The infection and vertical transmission
of SARS-CoV-2 in pregnancy remains to be determined to a large extent, and a global effort is required to
determine the effects of this virus on implantation, fetal growth and development and neonatal health.
Keywords: SARS-CoV-2, Pregnancy, Vertical Transmission, Placenta, Trophoblast.
[Full Text Article]
[Download Certificate]
Impact Factor : 8.181 
