Author(s)

Consolata Kirigia

Midwifery Lecturer School of Nursing, Department of Midwifery, University of Embu, Embu, Kenya.

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.

Corona Virus, Risk of COVID-19, Pregnant Women, Pregnancy, Infection Prevention

Kirigia, C. (2020) Corona Virus Disease among Pregnant Women: A Systematic Scoping Review. Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 10, 671-677. doi: 10.4236/ojog.2020.1050060.