2019-nCoV epidemic: what about pregnancies?

On Feb 3, 2020, WHO confirmed 17 238 cases of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) infections in China. Among them, 2296 (13%) cases were reported as severe, and 361 deaths were declared (2%).

Members of the coronavirus family responsible for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV) are known to be responsible for severe complications during pregnancy.2, 3

12 pregnant women were infected with SARS-CoV during the 2002–03 pandemic. Four (57%) of seven women in the first trimester had a miscarriage. In the second to third trimester, two (40%) of five women had fetal growth restriction, and four (80%) of five women had preterm birth (one spontaneous; three induced for maternal condition). Three (25%) women died during pregnancy.

In a review of 11 pregnant women infected with MERS-CoV, ten (91%) presented with adverse outcomes, six (55%) neonates required admission to the intensive care unit, and three (27%) died. Two neonates were delivered prematurely for severe maternal respiratory failure.

Considering that the 2019-nCoV seems to have a similar pathogenic potential as SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, pregnant women are at increased risk of severe infections, there are no specific clinical signs of coronavirus infections preceding severe complications, coronaviruses have the potential to cause severe maternal or perinatal adverse outcomes, or both,2, 3 and the current lack of data on the consequences of a 2019-nCoV infection during pregnancy, we recommend systematic screening of any suspected 2019-nCoV infection during pregnancy. If 2019-nCoV infection during pregnancy is confirmed, extended follow-up should be recommended for mothers and their fetuses.