TITLE:
Corona Virus Disease among Pregnant Women: A Systematic Scoping Review
AUTHORS:
Consolata Kirigia
KEYWORDS:
Corona Virus, Risk of COVID-19, Pregnant Women, Pregnancy, Infection Prevention
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Vol.10 No.5,
May
11,
2020
ABSTRACT: Corona
Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a deadly respiratory viral disease that
started in China in the year 2019 before spreading to the world. It affects
everybody regardless of race, religion, social economic status or age. However, literature
indicates that people with compromised immune status are at a higher risk of
contracting viral infections. During pregnancy, the immune status of the woman
is suppressed because it acts to protect both the mother and her unborn baby.
The purpose of this study was to provide an overview of available evidence on
the risk of contracting COVID-19 and COVID-19 infection prevention among
pregnant women. Relevant and recent articles were identified from various
databases. Article selection was aligned to the study questions. Articles that
were related to study objectives were included and those not related to study
objectives were excluded. A narrative report was produced and results were
described according to study objectives. Approximately 8 data sources were
included and most of the reviewed articles indicated that pregnant women are at
a higher risk of getting COVID-19. The reviews further indicated that pregnant
women can be prevented from this deadly virus by providing community antenatal
services instead of visiting the health facilities. If a pregnant woman
develops symptoms of respiratory infection, it is advisable to seek immediate
diagnosis to rule out COVID-19 and get appropriate management to avoid
complications. The selected studies’ quality was appraised through Mixed
Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) version 2018. Knowledge on the risk of COVID-19
infection among pregnant women will help health workers especially midwives who
take care of pregnant women to design confidently and put into action
preventive programs to address health needs of pregnant women who are at a
higher risk of contracting COVI-19 as compared to other people in the general
population. This also will assist health workers to provide appropriate care to
pregnant women on the basis of their COVID-19 infection risk status at health
facility and community levels. This study review is also creating more
awareness on the risk of COVID-19 to pregnant women even in communities. It
serves as evidence to guide health policymakers to put emphasis on addressing
the preventive measure of this greatly vulnerable group of population. To
prevent COVID-19 infection during pregnancy, pregnant women should strictly follow
the laid down measures of prevention by World Health Organisation (WHO) and
their local health authorities.