Recommendations for perinatal care in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Abstract Objectives: to present scientific recommendations for perinatal care in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: a narrative review was carried out between March and September in 2020 from BIREME, the Scientific Electronic Library Online and the Virtual Health Library databases, based on the descriptors: “Perinatal Care''; “Coronavirus”; “Coronavirus Infection''; “Obstetrics”and “Newborns”. The information was grouped into four categories, namely, prenatal care; labor and birthcare; care for puerperal women and the newborn. Results: 14 publications were found, 9 scientific articles and 5 technical standards pursuant to the Ministry of Health in Brazil. In the first category, generally, it is recom-mended that prenatal consultations should be continued, if necessary, by means of telemedi-cine; hospitalization of positive pregnant women in case symptoms are severe and consid-ering pregnant women’s clinical and emotional aspects. In the second, screening and testing on suspected cases, discouraging skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding in the first hour of life. In the third, change the arrangement of beds in shared accommodations and have early discharge. In the fourth category, it is also recommended late clamping of the umbilical cord and observe differences in laboratorial testing of asymptomatic neonates. Conclusions: scientific evidence based on studies with methodological designs and more robust analyzes are necessary to guide perinatal care in the context of the harm-free COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords

• Perinatal care
• Prenatal care
• Coronavirus
• Coronavirus infection
• Obstetrics
• Newborn