Pregnancy always has been a complicated process. It involves stress and uncertainty at the best of times. The COVID-19 adds another layer of uncertainty for the pregnant. Pregnancy precautions during Corona crisis should be maintained. But there is a little bit of good news right now is that there is no conclusive evidence that suggests that pregnant woman are more prone to COVID-19, says Dr. Denise Jamieson, chair of the department of gynecology and obstetrics at Emory Healthcare.
This is especially good as the last pandemic of SARS had an increased fatality rate in Pregnant Women (almost 25%). Whereas the normal population had a fatality rate of around 10%. The data coming out of China Suggests that the fatality rate of pregnant COVID-19 patients is equal to that of the normal population.
Precaution
Precaution is better than Cure when there is no foolproof cure yet. Pregnancy precautions are important during corona crisis as the Immune system does become susceptible to infections. Whether the infections are foodborne or respiratory. The official precautions apply to pregnant women as well. Stay away from sick people, avoid crowded areas, avoid touching your face while regularly cleaning your hands with soap. Any type of public outings should be avoided except for important pregnancy checkups. Maternity care is extremely important for the well being of the mother and the baby.
Contingency Plan for Delivery
Ask the hospital in which you plan to give birth in about the precautions taken by them. Most hospitals and clinics are limiting the number of family members that can be present along with the patient. This is obviously very tough, as pregnancy along with a physiological process is also a psychological process. The precautions will impact the latter. Doctors also advice that pregnant women should plan in advance an additional caregiver in case the primary caregiver falls sick.
What to do if you test +ve for COVID-19?
There is currently no data which suggests that COVID-19 transmits through the utero, during the delivery or through breast milk after the delivery. But hospitals today are taking precautions by isolating the new born and not following the process called ‘Rooming-in’.
Although no definite cure has been found it is important to stay aware about the symptoms and the challenges. Please follow this series as we will keep on updating our coverage on COVID-19.