Coronavirus in pregnant women: how not to harm yourself and your baby

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

It seems that expectant mothers carry the disease more easily than anyone else. But it's still worth looking out for.

Pregnant women can get infected in the same way as others?

Yes and no. The coronavirus does not care whose organism it attacks. Therefore, expectant mothers can catch SARS ‑ CoV ‑ 2 in the same way as other people: by airborne droplets or by touching a dirty surface, and then touching the nose, mouth or eye with the same hand. But there is an important nuance.

On the one hand, there is no evidence that pregnancy increases the risk of contracting COVID-19. On the other hand, due to changes in the body, women are more likely to catch some infections, such as type A influenza.

Not the fact that this observation applies to the coronavirus too. But it is quite clear that expectant mothers during epidemics need to take special care of themselves.

How do pregnant women handle the coronavirus?

The data is still not enough, but those that are, inspire optimism. Pregnant women seem to tolerate COVID-19 more easily than anyone else. Thus, an analysis of 147 women in a position showed that only about 8% of them had a severe form of the disease and only about 1% needed intensive care.

For comparison: on average, 15% of COVID-19 cases are in serious condition, and 5% are in critical condition.

But it should be borne in mind that this is the only such study so far. Moreover, it contradicts other observations. Usually, when infected with viruses from the same group as SARS ‑ CoV ‑ 2, as well as other acute respiratory viral infections, such as influenza, pregnant women suffer the disease more heavily than other people.

How does the coronavirus affect mother and child?

There is no unambiguous data yet. Experts from the American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that, according to their observations, COVID-19 in mild to moderate form does not affect pregnancy and the health of the unborn child in any way. Several cases of premature birth have been reported in mothers with a positive test for coronavirus infection. But there is no evidence that preterm birth was triggered by the coronavirus.

On the other hand, the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation mentions: if a woman's COVID-19 is severe in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, this can affect the future baby (lead to the development of various pathologies). This is due to the effects of both the virus itself and the drugs.

What to do if symptoms of coronavirus appear?

Follow the general algorithm: contact the doctor (therapist or gynecologist) who is observing you and act in accordance with his recommendations.

Call an ambulance immediately (103 or 112) if:

1. Difficulty breathing (for example, it becomes difficult to inhale or more than 30 breaths per minute are taken at rest).
2. There is constant pain or a tight feeling in the chest.
3. The lips and face have taken on a bluish tint.

Should all pregnant women get tested for COVID-19?

Not necessary. It depends on the algorithms adopted in your country or locality.

WHO experts believe that pregnant women with symptoms of COVID-19 should be tested first. To provide them with adequate specialized care when needed.

But the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation so far recommends doing tests only for those who have signs of SARS and who at the same time returned from abroad 14 or less days before the onset of symptoms or have recently had close contact with people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19.

Is it dangerous to give birth if you are sick with coronavirus?

The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation warns that both childbirth and abortion for women with COVID-19 may end in complications.

But neither the WHO nor the CDC mention such dangers. So there is no definite answer.

Can a mother infect a baby during pregnancy or childbirth?

Scientists don't know for sure because research is scarce. Babies born to infected mothers have yet to test positive for coronavirus, according to the CDC.

Also, traces of SARS ‑ CoV ‑ 2 were not found in amniotic fluid and breast milk.

Little Chinese research suggests otherwise. Doctors examined 33 infected women and their newborns. Three babies also showed symptoms of infection. However, it remains unclear whether the children were infected in the womb or received the virus after birth - after all, the test was not given to them immediately, but several days after birth.

Can I breastfeed my baby if I test positive for coronavirus?

Considering that the virus is not transmitted through breast milk, it is possible. But a nursing mother should take all possible precautions at the same time:

1. Wash your hands before touching the baby.
2. Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth during any contact with the baby, including when feeding.
3. Wash your hands when expressing breast milk.
4. In case of ARVI symptoms, minimize contact with the baby. In this case, it would be good for the mother to express milk, and someone else feeds the baby with it - from a bottle.

How can pregnant women protect themselves from coronavirus?

The recommendations are the same as for everyone:

1. Wash your hands often in warm water and soap or using alcohol-based antiseptic gels.
2. Avoid crowded places.
3. If you have to contact people, keep a distance of at least 1.5 meters.
4. Stop touching your face with your hands.

Coronavirus. Number of infected:

243 211 313

in the world

8 131 164

in Russia View map