The Effects of COVID-19 on Pregnancy

Author

Madison R. Cerda

Publication Date

11-18-2020

Document Type

Essay

First Advisor

Uhr, Stephanie

Degree Name

B.S. (Bachelor of Science)

Legacy Department

School of Nursing and Health Studies

Abstract

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared a pandemic of a new strain of SARS-CoV-2, now officially named COVID-19. As a future nurse in labor and delivery I decided to focus on how coronavirus affects pregnancy. Pregnancy is considered a state of immune suppression, which makes this population especially vulnerable. The purpose of this literature review is to explore the health effects coronavirus has on the mother and fetus, while at the same time research possible treatment plans. The paper will highlight coronavirus’s history, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, obstetric workflow, how it affects the placenta, and breastfeeding recommendations. I selected 12 different articles provided by CINAHL and PubMed to review. All articles were peer-reviewed, full text, and screened for eligibility. Limits to the study include evolving research and articles only available in 2020. Results revealed coronavirus is an RNA virus working by reverse transcriptase. This makes it difficult to develop a vaccine. Also, placenta blood vessels suffered, but fetal APGAR scores we’re promising (8 and 9’s). Breastfeeding remains the best for fetal nutrition. Staff has been educated on proper obstetric workflow, and Dashraath et al. (2020) provided an excellent chart for reference. Overall, coronavirus and pregnancy outcomes is evolving and it is important to stay up to date on research.

Recommended Citation

Cerda, Madison R., "The Effects of COVID-19 on Pregnancy" (2020). Honors Capstones. 1157.
https://huskiecommons.lib.niu.edu/studentengagement-honorscapstones/1157

Extent

17 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text