EFFECTS OF COVID-19 ON PREGNANCY AND INFLUENCE OF PREGNANCY ON THE DISEASE

COVID-19 has been recognized as a systemic illness caused by the novel coronavirus, prompting concerns regarding its implications for the health of pregnant women and their fetuses. Understanding the potential effects of the virus on pregnancy and how alterations in pregnant women's physiology may impact the course of the disease is crucial for guiding appropriate interventions in suspected cases. This article reviews literature data to identify potential perinatal and obstetric complications arising from SARS-CoV-2 infection, explores vertical transmission, and assesses the influence of pregnancy on the clinical progression of COVID-19.Pregnant women undergo anatomical and physiological changes, such as diaphragm elevation and immunosuppression, rendering them more susceptible to infections. Conversely, immunosuppression could be viewed as a mitigating factor to reduce the severity of the multisystem inflammatory syndrome associated with the "cytokine storm." Conditions like obesity, cardiovascular disease,and diabetes elevate the risk of severe illness in pregnant women. Prematurity emerges as a prominent consequence for newborns. Evidence suggests the potential for vertical transmission and passive immunization of the fetus.In the context of protecting both mother and fetus, immunization of pregnant women with currently available vaccines appears to be a primary preventive measure. This comprehensive review aims to contribute to the understanding of the intricate dynamics between SARS-CoV-2 infection and pregnancy, providing valuable insights for informed clinical management and public health strategies.