Viral pulmonary infection in pregnancy - Including COVID-19, SARS, influenza A, and varicella

Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2022 Dec;85(Pt A):17-25. doi: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2022.06.006. Epub 2022 Jul 9.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has been at the forefront of medicine over the last few years. Pregnant women are often exposed to infectious agents that can be harmful not only to the mother but also to the foetus. Moreover, changes during pregnancy means that pregnant women have increased vulnerability to viral infections, especially pulmonary infections. Epidemiological studies have shown a link between maternal viral infections and miscarriage, preterm birth as well as congenital defects. With potential poor outcomes for both women and their newborns, having a good understanding of the presentation and management of these viral pulmonary infections is essential. The increased risk of adverse outcomes has been highlighted during the COVID-19, SARS and H1N1 influenza pandemics.

Keywords: COVID-19; Influenza A; Pneumonia; SARS; Varicella; Viral.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Spontaneous* / epidemiology
  • COVID-19*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical
  • Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype*
  • Influenza, Human* / complications
  • Influenza, Human* / epidemiology
  • Influenza, Human* / therapy
  • Pandemics
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious* / diagnosis
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious* / epidemiology
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious* / therapy
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Premature Birth* / epidemiology
  • SARS-CoV-2