There’s a lot of anxiety among pregnant women as they have to attend the hospital for standard antenatal care, besides saving themselves from COVID-19. Here, we will answer some important questions related to COVID-19 and pregnancy.
How much are the chances of getting the COVID-19 infection during pregnancy?
Let me reassure you, studies so far have found that the risk of getting COVID-19 is same among pregnant and other healthy adults.
Is there anything that can be done to reduce the risk of getting COVID-19 during pregnancy?
Besides standard social distancing, all pregnant women should consider taking 10 mcg of vitamin D a day. There are some reports that people with low levels of vitamin D are at an increased risk of serious respiratory complications if they develop COVID-19.
All pregnant are encouraged to get a flu vaccination, which is safe at every stage of pregnancy. Some of the symptoms of flu, including fever, cough, shortness of breath and fatigue are similar to those of COVID-19. It is possible to get infected with the flu and COVID-19 at the same time. If you get both at the same time, then you may be more seriously ill than if you’re infected with one virus alone. Therefore, taking the flu vaccination is particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic.
How should pregnant women attend antenatal appointments and scans?
– Avoid unnecessary visits to the hospital.
– Come alone, or bring one companion.
– Make sure to book an appointment and be punctual.
– Follow instructions posted in the hospital.
– Payment is better done by card.
– Leave the adjacent seat.
– Use hand sanitizer after touching the surroundings.
– Avoid touching water fountains and vending machines.
– It is better to bring your own refreshments.
– Wear a face-mask and covering at all times
– Don’t lower your mask while talking.
– A minimum of six appointments should be in person.
– If you suspect that you could be COVID positive, contact your maternity before planning a visit.
What are the main symptoms of COVID?
The main symptoms of COVID-19 are: a high temperature, a new continuous cough or a loss or change to your normal sense of smell or taste.
What should pregnant women do if they develop a temperature, a new cough or both?
If you think you may have the symptoms you should arrange to have a COVID-19 test and inform your maternity. While waiting for your test result, you should self-isolate. If you have any concern about your baby’s movement, contact your maternity team.
If you feel that your symptoms are worsening or that you’re not getting better, this may be a sign that you are developing a more severe infection that requires specialized care. Contact your maternity.
What effect does COVID-19 have on pregnant women?
– Roughly 2/3 of pregnant women with COVID-19 have no symptoms at all
– Most pregnant women who do have symptoms only have mild cold or flu like symptoms.
– However small number of pregnant women can become unwell with covid 19 specially if they get infection after 28 weeks.
– In these women, there are higher rate of intensive care unit admission compared to non-pregnant women with covid-19.
– This maybe because clinician are more likely to take more cautious approach with the pregnancy
What effect will Covid-19 have on babies in womb if women is diagnosed Covid-19 infection during pregnancy?
– Evidence so far suggests Covid-19 is unlikely to cause problems with baby development and infection does not cause miscarriage in the early stages of pregnancy.
– In pregnant women who were unwell with covid-19, there was more risk of babies being born early for the benefit of the women’s health to enable them to recover.
What if I have labour pain with suspected or confirmed Covid-19?
– You should attend a hospital via private transport after informing your doctor.
– Follow instructions from maternity unit entrance to the isolation room.
– Your birth choice will be respected except if you are unwell and your doctor suggests that your baby needs to be born urgently, a cesarean birth may be recommended.
– You can avail an injection in the lower back and gas for pain management
After the baby’s birth with Covid-19, is the mother at an increased risk?
– Women who recently had a baby, and are otherwise well, are not at an increased risk of contracting Covid-19 or becoming seriously unwell.
– However, remain well nourished with a balanced diet, take mild exercise and ensure social-distancing guidance.
If the mother is covid positive and gives birth, what is the outcome of the baby?
– The babies of women with Covid-19 are more likely to be admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit but, almost all of the babies did well.
– There was no increase in still-birth rate and infant death.
Could a mother pass Covid-19 to her newborn?
– Transmission of covid-19 from mother to baby during pregnancy or childbirth seems to be uncommon, around one in fifty.
– Whether or not the newborn gets covid is not affected by mode of birth, feeding choices or whether the woman and baby stay together.
– It is important to emphasize that in most of the reported cases of newborns developing covid-19 very soon after birth, the babies remain well.
Will baby to covid 19 positive mother be tested for Covid-19?
– Neonatologist examines the baby and advises about care and testing.
Can mother with a suspected or a confirmed Covid-19 case stay with their newborn baby?
– Yes, if that is their choice, provided the baby is well
– In some countries, women with confirmed covid-19 have been advised to separate from their baby for fourteen days. However, this may have a negative effect on feeding and bonding.
How can a mother feed their baby if they have a suspected or confirmed Covid-19?
– The decision should be shared between doctors and the parents
– There is no strong evidence that the virus can be carried or past on through breast milk
– The main risk is close-contact between you and your baby, as if you cough or sneeze
– However you choose to feed your baby, the following precautions are recommended
# Wash your hands before touching your baby, breast pump or bottle.
# Try to avoid coughing or sneezing on your baby while feeding.
# Consider wearing a mask or face-covering while feeding.
# Consider asking someone who is well to feed your expressed breast milk to your baby.