You never understand life until it grows inside of you!

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The Novel Coronavirus has become a disaster and is spreading its wings globally. The women who are about to step into motherhood, are concerned about how COVID-19 could affect them and their unborn baby.

Credit: Hindustan Times

Pregnant Women and COVID-19

Now, the question is: Are the pregnant women at a higher risk if they test positive for the Coronavirus?

Although it does not apply to every pregnant lady, some US reports have stated that some pregnant ladies suffer severe illnesses. Pregnant women go through a number of changes in their chests. As a result, they may feel more susceptible to respiratory infections. Based on various studies, pregnant women who are tested positive for Coronavirus might be at a higher risk and may face pregnancy complications. If she is Corona positive, she might have to suffer a miscarriage or premature birth.

Credit: American Pregnancy Association

To-Do List for a Pregnant Woman if she thinks she is Corona Positive

Credit: Femina.in

Women should immediately call up their obstetricians and let them know the visible symptoms. If the symptoms seem severe, they should be taken to the hospital. However, some pregnant women, even if they experience mild symptoms, do not prioritize medical attention. This indeed is not right for both mother and child. If you experience mild symptoms, you need to self-quarantine yourself for 14 days.

What Impact Could COVID-19 Have on Unborn Babies?

Credit: SPUC

According to reports, the risk of vertical transmission in pregnant ladies is low. Thus, the transmission of the virus from a Corona positive mother to her fetus is unlikely. A recent report stated that some newborn babies have virus-specific antibodies (IGM Subtype). These aren’t transferred across the placenta to the fetus as they have a large molecular size.

The majority of cases of COVID-19 involving children, including newborn babies, have been asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic. Children should be taken care of and prevented from the virus, because there have been reports of the infection growing to a severe stage, even death, in children.

How To Reduce The Risk?

Credit: USA Today

During this time, expecting couples must visit their doctors and the hospitals in which they have planned to give birth, as visitor policies are changing frequently. Patients are allowed to have one support person on labor and delivery or, in some cases, no visitors are allowed at all. In addition, many hospitals are screening visitors for fever. Visitors are not allowed to enter the hospital if they show symptoms for COVID-19.

Pregnant women who have COVID-19 are temporarily isolated from their babies following delivery. This is in accordance with guidelines from the CDC and is intended to minimize the risk of transmission of the virus from the mother to the baby. The recent report of neonatal death due to complications from COVID-19 highlights the importance of this policy. The baby can receive the mother’s breast milk and be reunited with her as soon as transmission-based restrictions are lifted.  

Pregnant Ladies: Keep This In Mind!

Credit: Nursing Center

Pregnant women should adhere to the principles of social distancing, stay home, and avoid public gatherings. If any of the parents leave home, they should focus on adequate handwashing, try not to touch their faces, and keep a safe distance of at least six feet, from people who may be sick or people whose statuses are unknown.

Expecting parents should prepare to stay home for several months. They should have food, common medicines including Tylenol, thermometers, and other daily- use items such as soap, toilet paper, and detergent. When possible, patients should choose delivery services rather than going to markets and other stores where they may come in contact with people who might be infected. 

It is best for pregnant women to stay home if they develop mild illnesses. Most people who acquire COVID-19 recover fully with minimal risk. This is true for pregnant women as well. However, symptoms may worsen rapidly. Shortness of breath, coughing up blood, inability to tolerate liquids, and changes in mental status such as confusion, are symptoms that require urgent medical attention. In addition, vaginal bleeding and perceptions of less fetal movement also require medical attention. 

STAY HOME, STAY SAFE!



Author

A post-graduate in HR from the renowned Institute of Management Technology, she holds a 4-year experience in the same field. Being a passionate blogger/content writer too, she holds an expertise in writing on various subject matters.

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