The dilemma of COVID-19 diagnosis in pregnancy

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new and rapidly developing health crisis. Ongoing research looks at the prevalence and consequences of COVID-19 in the obstetric community and postnatal period. In the COVID-19 era, pregnant mothers were prone to infection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), with a higher risk of poor pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, an accurate and early diagnosis is necessary for this vulnerable group screening for asymptomatic carriers is a cornerstone to limiting the COVID-19 pandemic. It is vital to evaluate patients’ clinical symptoms and epidemiological history carefully. Although the serological test, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), can confirm infection, it cannot determine the degree or severity of the illness. Moreover, it has false-negative results. Imaging tests allow an exact diagnosis of lung damage, the severity of the disease, and the classification of patients. Comprehensive analysis of serological and imaging data will assist in the formation of an appropriate clinical diagnosis. This review will discuss what is new and important in confirming COVID-19 infection in pregnant women and the pros and cons of each.

Keywords: COVID-19 diagnosis, Pregnancy, Clinical, Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, Imaging test