Abstract

Introduction: COVID19 has exposed vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, to an unprecedented public health crisis, leading to increased risk of infection and adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. Case report: A 31 year old morbidly obese female presented to Nair Hospital with complaints of breathlessness, fever, dry cough, and loss of taste and smell. Her RTPCR of 04/09/2020 was positive for COVID19. Discussion: The decision to use a particular anesthetic technique for cesarean delivery is based on a variety of factors, including risks to the parturient or fetus and the skill set of the provider. Spinal anesthesia was preferred to general anesthesia due to the benefits outweigh the risk. Regional anesthesia aids in the reduction of pain scores and opioid consumption, postoperative nausea and vomiting, and the risk of aspiration and difficult airway associated with general anesthesia. During tracheal intubation, the risk of transmission of upper respiratory tract infection to healthcare providers is known to be 6.6 times greater than those not exposed to intubation. Additionally, the maintenance of pulmonary function may reduce postoperative complications in a patient with COVID-19 and associated pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome. Conclusion: The number of COVID-19 cases has exceeded 92.3 million worldwide, and there is still limited data on the care and management of parturients with COVID-19. It is important to share experiences and practices to ensure the best care for these women.

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