The stress expecting and new mothers feel has worsened today with so many unanswered questions about Covid-19. Though research is still ongoing to corroborate the existing findings, here are answers to some of the most common questions on COVID-19 and pregnancy.
What do You need to know about COVID-19?
- First identified in Wuhan, China, it is highly contagious and primarily spread through respiratory droplets rather than through the air.
- It spreads rapidly by the person to person contact or by touching contaminated surfaces
- Symptoms appear within 2 to 14 days after exposure.
Why are expecting and new mothers vulnerable to coronavirus?
- COVID-19 is similar to viruses like SARS and MERS, which can cause high fever during pregnancy.
- Low immunity during pregnancy and post-delivery makes women more vulnerable to other viral respiratory infections.
Are pregnant and new mothers more likely to contract COVID-19?
- According to experts, pregnant and new mothers are no more susceptible than the general population to Covid-19.
- Most expecting and new mothers experience only mild or moderate cold/flu-like symptoms.
- You are however advised to be cautious as pregnancy alters how the body handles severe viral infections.
What is the treatment for coronavirus for expecting and new moms?
- There is no different treatment for coronavirus.
- If you show virus-related symptoms, contact your doctor who might advise you to rest, stay hydrated, and prescribe medicines to control the fever.
- Mild symptoms allow recovery at home whereas more severe symptoms might require hospitalization
Are pregnant women more likely to develop complications? When should I seek help?
- According to experts, there is no increased risk of complications for pregnant women with COVID-19.
- However, you should seek help if your symptoms are worsening or you are taking much longer than usual to recover.
Are positive pregnant women at a higher risk of developing complications?
- There is no sufficient research to support the increased risk of complications for pregnant women with COVID-19.
- Studies of previous cases of SARS and MERS do not establish any link between infection and higher chances of miscarriage.
- There is no evidence to support the genetic effect of the virus on fetal development.
What about mother to child transmission during pregnancy and after delivery?
- It is unlikely that pregnant women positive for the virus will transmit it to her unborn child.
- However, new mothers have to be careful since a newborn might contract it due to person-to-person spread.
What are the measures to prevent contracting COVID-19?
There are several steps which can be taken to minimize the chances of contraction:
- Avoid crowded places and maintain social distancing.
- Avoid meeting unwell people and those showing symptoms of the virus.
- Disinfect hands frequently by washing them with soap and using hand sanitizer`
- Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces like door handles.
- Shift to a Work-from-home model.
Tell me about breastfeeding if I have coronavirus.
- Experts world over recommend positive and symptomatic moms to continue feeding as it boosts the baby’s ability to fight infections.
- The current research has not detected the virus in amniotic fluid, breast milk, or other maternal samples.
- If you are positive for the virus, you can minimize infant exposure by wearing a mask while breastfeeding.
- Washing hands before and after contact with the baby.
- Excessively ill mothers can express milk with a dedicated pump and have someone else to feed the baby.
Will my baby be tested for the virus if I have it?
It is advised that babies of women suspected or confirmed coronavirus at the time of delivery are tested for coronavirus.
Should I continue visiting my doctor? What safety measures can be taken then?
- With the help of your doctor and technology, you can reduce the number of visits to the hospital.
- Keep track of your baby’s movements and self-monitor your blood pressure.
- If you need to visit the doctor make necessary arrangements like informing the doctor in advance and traveling in a sanitized vehicle.
Few final words
Global experts recommend pregnant women and new mothers to err on the side of caution.