COVID-19 in pregnancy: A UK perspective

Abstract

COVID-19 infection in pregnancy can cause respiratory and obstetric complications, ¹ however emerging evidence on its impact in pregnancy is limited. This article aims to review data collected and analysed so far over the course of the coronavirus pandemic, that examine demographic associations, patterns of disease, severity and outcomes of COVID-19 in pregnancy in the UK.

Hospital admission, for which black and minority ethnic background and raised body mass index are risk factors, is associated with maternal mortality and admission to intensive care and is more likely in the late second or third trimester. ² Vaccination is safe in pregnancy ³ and is protective against severe COVID-19 and admission to intensive care, ^{4, 5} Maternal SARS CoV-2 is associated with a greater risk of stillbirth, preterm birth, small for gestational age (SGA) and preeclampsia. ⁶ Efforts to reduce the incidence of COVID-19 in pregnancy, including vaccination, are therefore likely to reduce preventable complications from this disease.