Pregnancy is an exciting and stressful time. Your mind races with a number of questions and concerns ranging from mild to very serious when you are ill. A common question is how illness affects the baby while you’re pregnant.
In 2019, a new virus hit the world scene and is spreading rapidly, a novel Corona virus responsible for the respiratory
disease COVID-19 .
And in 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) trusted Source declared the global outbreak of COVID-19 a “public health emergency of international concern’’
COVID-19 is still a new disease that hasn’t been well studied.
How it affects pregnant women and their developing babies isn’t fully known
WHAT IS CORONA VIRUS ?
Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is defined as illness caused by a novel corona virus now called SEVERE ACUTE RESPIRATORY SYNDROME Corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2; formerly called 2019-nCoV), which was first identified amid an outbreak of respiratory illness cases in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. They are a family of viruses that circulate in both humans and animals and can cause everything from the common cold to more serious respiratory illnesses.
EFFECTS OF CORONA VIRUS IN PREGNANCY
1. What are the symptoms in a pregnant woman infected with corona virus?
- Mostly mild flu like symptoms-Dry cough, Fever, Sore throat, runny nose, fatigue, Headache, nausea, diarrhoea
- Moderate to severe symptoms-Shortness of breath,Pneumonia, Severe Acute Respiratory Distress syndrome
Symptoms typically appear between 2 and 14 days after exposure to the new coronavirus.
2. What are the modes of spread of Corona Virus infection?
The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes
3. Are pregnant women at high risk of corona virus infection?
Large majority of pregnant women experience only mild to moderate flu like symptoms. More severe symptoms like Pneumonia are common only in older people and immunodeficient individuals.As yet there is no evidence to prove that pregnant women who get this infection are at risk of severe complications
4. Will it affect the baby when a pregnant mother gets corona virus infection ?
As it is a new infection, there is as such no evidence that the virus can pass to your baby while you are pregnant or during birth (this is called vertical transmission) or retardation of baby’s growth and development or miscarriage or premature delivery
5. Can the virus be transmitted to the baby during child birth?
As this infection can be transmitted only by droplet infection or nasal discharge or aerosol it is very much unlikely that the virus can be transmitted during childbirth
6. Will only C section be needed for a pregnant lady with covid 19 during the time of labour?
vaginal delivery is favorable to a cesarean delivery, provided you’re eligible for a vaginal delivery and aren’t recommended for a c-section due to other factors
7. Can an infected mother breast feed her baby?
In a few studies done on breast feeding mothers with corona virus there is no evidence of virus transmission through breast milk
However to limit the exposure of baby to virus,during breast feeding these precautions are recommended
- Wash your hands before touching your baby, breast pump or bottles
- Try to avoid coughing or sneezing on your baby while feeding at the breast
- Consider wearing a face mask while breastfeeding, if available
8.Will the baby be tested for Corona virus?
Yes, if mother has suspected or confirmed Corona virus at the time of delivery, baby will be tested for Corona virus.
9.What can be done to reduce the risk of catching Corona virus during pregnancy?
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds, or clean them with alcohol-based hand rub.
- Maintain at least 1 metre distance between you and people coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your face mainly mouth, nose and eyes.
- Cover your mouth and nose with tissue or face mask when coughing or sneezing. Discard it immediately after use
- Practice cough etiquette by coughing into a flexed elbow
- Stay home if you feel unwell.
- Practice physical distancing by avoiding unnecessary travel and staying away from large groups of people.
- Eat well. Get enough rest.Minimal exercise
10. Do all pregnant women need to be tested for Corona virus and what is the test recommended?
Pregnant mothers with mild mild symptoms need not be tested and need only home isolation, paracetamol for fever and symptomatic treatment , adequate rest and hydration Recommended tests include RT PCR analysis of Naso pharyngeal or throat swabs
11. Is there any medicine/vaccine or antibiotic available?
No vaccine or medicine available.Antibiotics are not effective. Only symptomatic treatment advised
TAKE HOME MESSAGE TO ALL PREGNANT MOTHERS
- Be prepared but not scared about the virus.
- Practise regular hand washing, social distancing, avoidance of crowds and proper cough etiquette to protect you and your baby
Dr.M.Rose Raichel, MBBS, DNB(INT.MED),F.Diab
Consultant Physician and Diabetologist
Mehta Hospital Global campus, Velappanchavadi