The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus contributed to a global health crisis. Pregnant women are considered a vulnerable population that can develop severe SARS-CoV-2 infections due to physiological changes during pregnancy that affect a wide range of functions, causing cardiovascular instability, bleeding disorders, respiratory and immune dysfunction. These factors may adversely affect the course of COVID-19. In addition to pregnancy, a pregnant woman may have additional risk factors, including diabetes, obesity, advanced age (pregnancy >35 years), or chronic cardiovascular or respiratory disease. Early studies indicate that COVID-19 increases the risk of serious illness and death in pregnant women. In addition, COVID-19 was associated with adverse fetal outcomes as preterm birth. The mechanisms underlying the increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with COVID-19 are not well-understood but may be related to the direct effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the placenta and the fetus, as well as the indirect effects of systemic inflammation and cytokine storm. During the pandemic, the SARS-CoV-2 delta variant in particular has been shown to be associated with severe disease. The new coronavirus variants pre-delta, as well as the omicron variant, seem to be generally associated with a milder course of disease.

Pregnant women should be encouraged to take preventive measures such as social distance, hand hygiene and wearing a mask. Pregnant women with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 should receive prompt and appropriate medical care to reduce the risk of adverse outcomes. The availability of vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 may protect vulnerable groups from a life-threatening course of disease. Vaccination against COVID-19 is also recommended during pregnancy and contributes to the protection of the expectant mother and the fetus.