Care in puerperium during health crisis due to COVID-19

Abstract

Introduction: the new coronavirus COVID-19 infection is currently an international public health emergency and it has been declared a pandemic by the WHO. Certain data about its etiopathogenesis is still unknown, arising the need to analyse the influence of coronavirus disease during the puerperal stage and its consequences. Objective: to synthesize the knowledge and the latest available recommendations about specific care during puerperium period, related to the health crisis due to COVID-19. Methodology: a systematic search was carried out in the scientific literature in order to locate the scientific evidence documents available in the main reference databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library and Science Direct. Results: breastfeeding brings many benefits to newborns, including protection against respiratory infections, such as coronavirus. If maternal and neonatal status allows it, it is recommended promoting breastfeeding during the infectious risk period. Both SEGO and SETH recommend the administration of low molecular weight heparin at prophylactic doses in order to avoid thromboembolic disease. Discussion/conclusions: the main limitation was the paucity of scientific literature about COVID-19 in relation to puerperal period. It is essential that any puerperal woman with COVID-19 infection and her newborn are assessed individually, early and evaluated by a multidisciplinary team to prevent adverse outcomes.