Risk Factors Contributing in Increased Susceptibility and Severity of COVID-19 Infection during Pregnancy

The corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has spread globally and pregnant women are considerably prone to COVID-19 infection with increased maternal and perinatal complications. Aim: This study aims to explore the risk factors that contribute to susceptibility and severity of COVID-19 infection among pregnant women. Method: A literature search of articles relating to COVID-19 infection during pregnancy, was conducted, using PubMed, Scopus and Google scholar engine. Result: A total of 168 articles were initially identified. Eighty four papers were excluded for failing to address the aim of the study. After screening titles and abstracts, eighty four full-text articles were retrieved for eligibility analysis. Nineteen studies addressed the susceptibility related to pregnancy, twenty-two studies evaluated the associated comorbidities, nineteen focused on immune system, thirty-six articles concentrated on the risk of coagulopathy and eleven addressed more than one risk factor. Conclusion: Pregnancy, associated comorbidities, modulated immune response during pregnancy and risk of coagulopathy are considerable risk factors contributing to COVID-19 pathogenesis among pregnant women and may predict the outcome.