Safe delivery for pregnancies affected by COVID-19

Since December 2019, a new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) has rapidly become prevalent in central China. On the basis of knowledge obtained from a previous coronavirus outbreak, pregnant women are believed to be susceptible to this virus. Once a maternal infection of COVID-19 is suspected or confirmed, childbirth becomes complicated and challenging. Efficient obstetric treatment is required and is key to optimising the prognosis for both mother and child. Care should be taken with determining the timing of the delivery, the assessment of the indications for caesarean section, the preparation of the delivery room to prevent infection, the choice of the type of anaesthesia and the management of the newborn.