Pregnancy and covid 19
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Corona - Are pregnant women more at risk?

The Coronavirus pandemic has left everyone worried, more so if you are pregnant or have someone in the family who is pregnant. How worried should you be? What precautions should you take at this time? Love Matters answers the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Coronavirus and its effect on pregnant women.

Does coronavirus impact pregnant women more?  

Pregnant women do not seem to be at higher risk of getting the disease than other women. If they do get it, it is milder than in older patients and not more serious than in the general population.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), if a woman is pregnant and she is infected by Covid-19, she does not appear to be more likely to be seriously unwell than other healthy adults. Research is still underway but pregnant women can be badly affected by some respiratory infections due to changes in their bodies and immune systems. 

I am pregnant. What can I do to reduce my risk of catching Covid-19 infection?

Follow the guidelines issued by the Indian government

  • Wash hands regularly 
  • When you or anyone in your family coughs or sneezes, use a disposable tissue and discard it later. Wash hands afterwards 
  • Avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus such as high fever, dry cough etc
  • Remain at home. Do not step out unless very urgent 
  • Use telephone or online services to contact your gynaecologist or other essential services
  • Wash all the eatables and even packaged food, before you eat them 
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily

Should pregnant women continue to visit their gynaecologists at this time?  

Regular check-ups are important during pregnancy to ensure good maternal and foetal health. However, given the current lockdown, many doctors, including gynaecologists and obstetricians are encouraging phone consultations. Check with your doctor about the same as it is not advisable to go to hospitals or clinics (or even outside your home) to minimise the risk. 

Ask your doctor if you can buy some tools at home - like a blood pressure monitor, weighing machine etc for keeping a check on your health at home. Also check with the doctor what medicines/vitamins you may need in your upcoming trimesters and stock them. 

What should I do if I develop a fever or temperature, or both, when I am pregnant?

If you develop a temperature or a cough, or both, in pregnancy, you can call your doctor on the phone and seek guidance. Avoid going to hospital or clinic, even if they are open. You may put yourself at more risk for an infection if you go out. 

Also remember, fever can be because of any other reason too as your body is undergoing many changes at this time. 

I am pregnant and I think I may have coronavirus or been exposed to it, what to do now? 

Do not go to the hospital in the first instance. If you are pregnant and you display some flu-like symptoms like fever, dry continuous cough, body aches, inform your doctor/ gynaecologists via phone. They will advise you on medicines that you can take to contain the infection at home. Stay in continuous touch with your doctor on the phone and tell your symptoms. 

If the symptoms get worse and do not improve even after a week, your doctor may advise a hospital visit. But remember your doctor is the best person to advise you on the next step. So consult them immediately.  

Should I ask to get tested for Covid-19? How is the test done? 

If you are pregnant and your symptoms do not improve even after a week of medication at home or if your symptoms get worse, consult your doctor immediately. They will inform you about the nearest health centre of the hospital to visit and get tested. 

Alternatively, if you think you have been exposed to novel coronavirus, and have developed any symptoms (cough, fever or difficulty breathing), call the Govt. of India helpline 1075 or the state helpline numbers for assistance.  

The test involves swabs being taken from your mouth and nose. Pregnant women will have to undertake the same tests. 

What should I do if I test positive for Covid-19?

First off, do not panic. Stay calm and inform your gynaecologists to make them aware of your diagnosis. If you have no symptoms, or mild symptoms, you will be advised to recover at home. If you have more severe symptoms, you might be treated in hospital. 

Going to hospital can be risky at this time of Covid-19 pandemic? Can I have birth at home?

No. Home delivery/births can be dangerous. It is always advisable to give birth at the hospital only, under the guidance of your doctor. Most hospitals are trying to minimize the number of people who come to the hospital. Also, testing and treatment for Covid-19 too is taking place in separate areas in hospitals to avoid the spread. 

Can Covid-19 spread from pregnant woman to foetus or baby after the birth? 

According to WHO, the virus has not been found in samples of amniotic fluid or breastmilk. As this is a very new virus, the research is still underway. However, initial evidence suggests that  there is no increased risk of miscarriage.

However, after birth a newborn is susceptible to person-to-person spread. According to Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists, United Kingdom, there is some new evidence there have been two cases, where infection was found in babies at least 30 hours after birth. However, it is unknown if these babies got the virus before or after birth. All reported cases of newborn babies with infection were discharged healthy. The virus would not cause problems with the baby's development. 

Is there a shortage of doctors? I am worried no one will be able to attend to me when I go into labour or have a C-section? 

Your doctor/gynaecologist is responsible for your health and delivery of the baby. Share your concerns with him/her. They may give you the real picture to put your mind at ease. Most hospitals are not redeploying obstetricians. 

After delivery I do not want to spend time in the hospital as it may increase my risk of exposure to Covid-19. What should I do? 

Most hospitals are trying to minimize the number of people who come to the hospital. Also, testing and treatment for Covid-19 too is taking place in separate areas in hospitals to avoid the spread. Check with your doctor if you can go home sooner than you normally would after the birth of your baby. Your doctor can guide you. 

Can I touch and hold your newborn baby if I am infected with Covid-19?

In some countries, women with Covid-19 infection have been advised to separate from their baby for 14 days to reduce the chances of spread to the baby. Your doctor is the best person for advice. 

Can women with Covid-19 breastfeed?

Again check with your doctor. Breast milk has many infection-fighting antibodies that can help the newborn baby against many illnesses. So check with your doctor if you should continue during an infection. If you do, following hygiene rituals are must.  

  • Wear a mask while breastfeeding
  • Wash hands before and after touching the baby
  • When you or anyone in your family coughs or sneezes, use a disposable tissue and discard it later. Wash hands afterwards 
  • Avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus such as high fever, dry cough etc
  • Routinely clean and disinfect surfaces they have touched

If you do not feel very well, use a breast pump to express milk and feed the baby. Seek help of people at home to look after the baby 

Have more questions? Please ask Love Matters (LM) experts on our discussion forum. Don't forget to check out our Facebook  page.  

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