CONCLUSION
Vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 during vaginal delivery seems rare,
but is plausible within the first week of infection, since SARS-CoV-2 is
detectable in the vagina and antibodies do not yet protect the neonate
at this time. Further, maternal COVID-19 may in rare cases cause
intrauterine infection and fetal asphyxia due to placental dysfunction.
We propose that reduced fetal movements in pregnancies affected by
COVID-19 should be handled with aggravated concern.
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank the participating women as well as the midwives
and other staff at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology,
Copenhagen University Hospital – North Zealand for their kind help and
collection of samples.