The coronavirus crisis is increasing stress and uncertainty for many pregnant women around the world. As rates of coronavirus continue to climb, pregnant women may be tensed about contracting the virus and transmitting it to their unborn baby.
In an article published on March 26 in the Journal of the American Medical Association’s (JAMA’s) Paediatrics journal, experts reported on pregnancy outcomes for 33 Chinese mothers who gave birth while having the infection of COVID-19.Out of those 33 babies, three tested positive for the COVID19 at birth. They experienced some minor symptoms that included cold, fever, and pneumonia. One of the infected babies who was born at 31 weeks had some significant problems but recovered.
EFFECT OF CORONAVIRUS ON PREGNANT WOMEN
Generally, pregnant women do not appear to be more likely to be seriously unhealthy than other healthy people if they get this infection.It is expected that most of the pregnant women will notice only mild or moderate symptoms like cold, flu, etc. Cough, shortness of breath, fever, headache, and loss of sense of smell are some major symptoms.More critical symptoms, such as pneumonia, seem to be more common in older persons, those with low performing immune systems or long-term medical conditions.As yet, there is no proof that pregnant women who get this infection are more at risk of critical complications than any other healthy people.
EFFECT OF CORONAVIRUS ON THE BABY IF THE MOTHER DIAGNOSED WITH THE INFECTION
Emerging reports suggest that transmission from a lady to her child during pregnancy or birth is possible. In all previously reported cases across the world, the infection was found at least 30 hours after birth. It is essential to emphasize that in all reported cases of newborn babies having this infection immediately after birth, the baby was healthy.Across the world, emerging reports suggest some babies have been born prematurely to ladies who were affected by this infection. It is unclear whether this virus caused these premature births, or whether it was recommended that the baby was born early for the advantage of the woman’s health and to enable her to recover.
HOW CAN PREGNANT WOMEN PREPARE FOR THE CORONAVIRUS?
If you’re pregnant, you may be thinking if there’s any possible step you can take to prepare for an emergency in your area.Even if there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in your area, it’s important to assume that the virus is still circulating near your space. Your doctor may recommend that you do your best to stay at home as much as possible and limit your outside visits.It doesn’t hurt to stock up on a few daily use items, such as medications, canned products, and frozen foods. If you go out in a crowded place, the CDC now recommends that everyone wear a mask or scarf to prevent the spread of infection.
HOW COULD THE CORONAVIRUS IMPACT YOUR BIRTH PLAN?
As the virus has continued its impact across the world, many medical organizations and birthing centers have been adopting new measures to keep mothers and babies safe. Every medical center is different, but here are a few changes mothers might experience:
- Restrictions on visitors in the delivery room.
- If you’ve been affected by this infection, your gynecologist and nurses will be wearing protective gear.
- You may be able to get discharged early.
- You may not be able to move around the hallways during labor.
USEFUL THINGS TO REDUCE THE RISK OF CATCHING CORONAVIRUS
The essential thing to do is to follow government guidance. For pregnant women, this includes:
- Continuous hand washing
- Use a tissue paper when you or anyone near you coughs or sneezes, discard this and wash your hands
- Work from home, if possible
- Avoid contact with the person who is having symptoms of coronavirus
- Avoid non-essential use of public vehicles
- Avoid large and small gatherings in hotels, restaurants, leisure centers, religious places, etc.
- Avoid having parties with friends and family. Keep in touch by mediums such as phone, internet, and social media
- Use online services to have essential grocery items, etc.
HOW TO CONSULT A DOCTOR OR GYNECOLOGIST DURING COVID19?
From a medical perspective, pre- and post-natal treatments are quickly evolving to provide the safest care. In some countries, regular checkups for pregnant women have moved online to prevent unnecessary hospital visits.
Narad Hospital, the best gyne hospital in Hoshiarpur, got all the basic and advanced facilities for your safest care and treatment. Our experienced team of doctors or gynecologists is also available online to provide complete gynecological care, using the latest minimally invasive procedures for different disorders like fibroids, abnormal uterine bleeding, endometriosis, etc.
Consult our experienced, veteran, and proficient gynecologists who are still providing comprehensive antenatal care, painless delivery, etc. during this time of crisis.