Impact of COVID-19 on obstetric anesthesia: a systematic review

With an increase in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) incidents around the world, it has become more important than ever to be prepared for the uncertain context of labor and delivery in obstetrics. As medical staff did not encounter such a situation previously, no prior knowledge and guidelines were present to assist them. During the care of obstetric women infected with COVID-19 as well as those who are suspected of COVID-19 infection, there are two objectives, the care of asymptomatic to severely sick pregnant and postpartum women and preventing exposure of medical professionals and others during childbirth hospitalization. The focus of this review is to provide anesthesiologists who are dealing with infected pregnant mothers with some facts or, as data is insufficient, expert opinion, with an emphasis on awareness and optimal medical obstetric anesthesia training. This review will provide possible recommendations for the obstetric anesthesiologists when treating infected obstetric women and these recommendations also help anesthesia providers to prepare themselves for future pandemics.