Impact of COVID-19 on Pregnancy and Puerperium
As the entire world is battling the corona virus pandemic, it has surfaced that part of our population needing utmost care comprises elderly, pregnant women and children. The World Health Organization (WHO) has thus, tried to answer a few questions about the impact that COVID-19 can have over a pregnant woman and the gist is being discussed here.
One of the major questions that most pregnant women are facing today is, that are they at a higher risk of COVID-19? To put major worries to rest, the WHO mentions that at present there’s a paucity of evidence and currently, there seems to be no such proof that pregnancy poses a higher risk of severe illness than the general population.
However, common knowledge is that due to changes in their bodies and immune systems, pregnant women can be badly affected by respiratory infections. It is therefore of utmost importance that pregnant women and their caregivers take precautions to protect themselves against COVID-19, and immediately report any possible symptoms (including fever, cough or difficulty breathing) to their healthcare provider.
Pregnant women need to take the same precautions to avoid COVID-19 infection as other people i. e.
1) Washing your hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
2) Maintaining adequate social distancing at all times, and avoiding crowded spaces.
3) Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
4) Practicing respiratory hygiene which includes covering one’s mouth and nose with elbow or a tissue while coughing or sneezing, and disposing of the used tissue immediately.
5) In case of fever, cough or difficulty breathing, pregnant women must seek medical care immediately.
WHO recommends that healthcare providers individualize the mode of delivery by considering everything medically, and that currently there’s insufficient data to support that a caesarean section is absolutely indicated in all cases.
There is not much evidence yet, to know whether a pregnant woman with COVID-19 can pass the virus to her foetus or baby during pregnancy or delivery. WHO has further mentioned that till date, the virus has not been found in samples of amniotic fluid or breast milk.
A Covid-19 mother upon delivery, can breastfeed her child maintaining proper protective protocol, but if she’s too unwell to breastfeed, she can safely provide the baby with breast milk via an alternative method which could include expressing milk; re lactation;
and donor human milk.
A lot is still being studied, and research is underway, hence there is no need to panic if you are pregnant or have just delivered, but please be cautious! Self isolation and early reporting is the key to protection. Stay home and stay safe.
