NR 327 Maternal-Child Nursing Covid-19 and Pregnancy

NR 327 Maternal-Child Nursing Covid-19 and Pregnancy

Student Name

Chamberlain University

NR-327: Maternal-Child Nursing

Prof. Name:

Date

COVID-19 and Pregnancy: Navigating the Challenges for Expectant Mothers

The year 2020 will be remembered as a pivotal period in history when humanity faced an unprecedented challenge—the global outbreak of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. This pandemic profoundly impacted millions worldwide, fundamentally altering daily life. Public gatherings became restricted, wearing masks in public spaces became commonplace, and even minor symptoms like a cough caused heightened concern. Beyond these societal changes, the healthcare sector encountered significant challenges, including an influx of COVID-19 patients, shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE), and widespread burnout among healthcare workers.

In this context, understanding the intersection of COVID-19 and pregnancy is critical. This article examines the impact of the virus on expectant mothers, the developing fetus, and newborns during the antepartum and intrapartum periods. Additionally, it outlines preventative strategies that pregnant women can adopt to reduce their risk of infection.

Understanding COVID-19: Symptoms, Complications, Transmission, and Risk Factors

COVID-19, as a novel virus, remains the subject of extensive research and continuous updates. The emphasis on vaccine development has been critical due to the rising global infection rates and associated mortality. While understanding of the virus evolves, key aspects such as symptoms, complications, modes of transmission, and risk factors have been well-documented.

The incubation period for COVID-19 typically ranges from two to fourteen days, averaging around five days, though it can vary based on age and underlying health conditions. Common symptoms include cough, fever, fatigue, sputum production, sneezing, headache, hemoptysis, shortness of breath, sore throat, and lymphopenia. Severe complications include acute respiratory distress syndrome, pneumonia, acute cardiac injury, hypoxemia, and even death. The virus spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced by coughing, sneezing, or speaking. Recent studies suggest a link between COVID-19 and preeclampsia, a pregnancy-related condition characterized by high blood pressure.

Identified risk factors for severe COVID-19 outcomes include advanced age, preexisting conditions like respiratory or cardiovascular diseases, impaired renal function, and elevated D-Dimer and troponin levels. Additionally, males over 50 years of age are at heightened risk of mortality. Staying informed about the virus’s evolving nature and implementing preventative measures is essential in mitigating its impact.

COVID-19 and the Antepartum Period: Implications for Pregnant Women

The antepartum period encompasses the time before labor and delivery, characterized by maternal physiological changes and fetal development. During the COVID-19 pandemic, pregnant women face an elevated risk of adverse outcomes, including complications, prolonged hospitalizations, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, and increased mortality rates. Pneumonia, a frequent complication of COVID-19, can progress to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Pregnant women with COVID-19-related pneumonia are also at risk of sepsis, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC), secondary bacterial infections, and renal failure. The timing of infection during pregnancy significantly influences these outcomes, underscoring the need for diligent monitoring and care.

Table 1: Key Information About COVID-19 and Pregnancy

References

Advice for the public on COVID-19. (2020). Retrieved November 28, 2020, from https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

Dashraath, P., Wong, J. L., Lim, M. X., Lim, L. M., Li, S., Biswas, A., & Su, L. L. (2020). Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and pregnancy. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 222(6), 521-531. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2020.03.021

Daribi, K., Awulachew, E., & Get, E. (2020). The effect of coronavirus infection (SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV) during pregnancy and the possibility of vertical maternal–fetal transmission: A systematic review and meta-analysis. European Journal of Medical Research, 25(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40001-020-00439-w

NR 327 Maternal-Child Nursing Covid-19 and Pregnancy

How to protect yourself & others. (2020). Retrieved November 28, 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html

Mullins, E., Evans, D., Viner, R. M., O’Brien, P., & Morris, E. (2020). Coronavirus in pregnancy and delivery: Rapid review. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology, 55(5), 586-592. https://doi.org/10.1002/log.22014