Guidelines for Managing Neonates Born to COVID-19 Infected Mothers

SAUDI ARABIA Around 2-5% of neonates born to mothers infected with COVID-19 have been tested positive for COVID-19 in the first 24-96 hours. The transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from mothers to neonates is thought to be due to exposure to the respiratory droplets in the postnatal period either through the mother or caregivers with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Since the neonates have a poor immune response, it makes them vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection and developing severe disease.

The present article summarizes the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for the management of neonates born to suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infected mothers. Based on the guidelines, neonates born to suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infected mothers can be classified into three groups: Healthy neonates Asymptomatic infected neonates or mild cases who do not require neonatal intensive…