The Overall Consequence of Antiviral Drugs Given to Pregnant Women with COVID-19

Abstract

During pregnancy, the anatomical structure of the respiratory system changes, and the virus transmitted by droplets and aerosols are more easily inhaled and difficult to remove by pregnant women. Women are generally more susceptible to various pregnancy-related complications and respiratory pathogens, increasing the risk of developing adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Anecdotal evidence suggests that pregnant women do not appear to differ from the general population in terms of disease transmission, and to date, there is no evidence of vertical transmission from mother to fetus. However, in another study, it is known that members of the coronavirus family are responsible for serious complications such as miscarriage, fetal growth restriction, and congenital anomalies during pregnancy. To date, only a few studies have reported relatively higher rates of adverse birth outcomes in women affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection in late pregnancy. This literature review presents the use of drugs used for the treatment of COVID-19 disease in pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes. It is also aimed to examine the effective control and management of SARS CoV-2 infection in the pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum period in line with the existing literature and guide health personals. Large-scale epidemiological studies are needed to evaluate the course of the infection during pregnancy and the effects of the drugs used on pregnancy and fetus.