Managing pregnancy during the Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

COVID-19 has impacted the way we manage pregnancy, delivery and the postpartum period. Good obstetric care aims at preventing devastating complications by being knowledgeable on the routes of viral transmission, risk factors, clinical presentation and diagnostic findings. Maternal complications may include C-section, secondary maternal infection, pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, hyperglycaemia and mortality. Neonatal complications are mostly due to preterm delivery. Classifying disease severity allows the patient to be channeled into the appropriate care pathway. This allows a patient-centered approach to timely antenatal follow-up, screening, vaccination, delivery and neonatal care. Patient education and involvement of the mother in decision-making ensures a positive experience.