Case of the Month #23 - obstetrics & SARS-CoV-2

Published 01/02/2022

Key Take Home Messages

  • Pregnant and postpartum women with COVID-19 in hospital are less likely to show signs and symptoms of infection compared to non-pregnant women
  • This patient population are at an increased risk of admission to ICU
  • Increasing maternal age, high BMI, and pre-existing comorbidities are risk factors for severe disease
  • The majority of women that died with SARS-CoV-2 in the initial MBRRACE Report were of black, Asian and minority ethnic groups
  • Pregnant women were not included in the original studies relating to proning for ARDS management. There are currently some case reports showing its safety in both awake and intubated pregnant women
  • These patients require regular senior decision making and continual MDT collaboration
  • Timing and mode of delivery is entirely dependent on maternal condition and comorbidities, foetal condition and comorbidities, and gestational age.
  • Consideration of LMWH thromboprophylaxis, its dose, and its timing are of key importance
  • Note that many of the deaths in the MBRRACE report happened after an initial period of clinical improvement after delivery, followed by sudden deterioration