Important Things To Know About Corona Virus for Pregnant, Expecting and Nursing Mothers

    COVID-19 or the novel corona virus rapidly spreads through respiratory droplets.  It can easily transfer when a person who has the virus coughs or sneezes. Another mode of transfer is when a person touches a surface containing the virus then touches their face specifically the mouth, the nose, and the eyes.

     Here are some important facts pregnant, expecting, and nursing women need to know:

There is no evidence that pregnant women are at a higher risk from Covid-19.

There have been researches made on the impact of corona virus to pregnant women, however there is a little information and no evidence that they are at a higher risk of getting infected.  

Pregnant women have low immune system therefore it is still important to take precautions.  They have to load up with Vitamin C and to continue taking in supplements or medications as advised by the Obgyne.  They have to be very mindful of possible symptoms such as runny nose, dry cough, fever, body pains or shortness of breath.  Should there be any symptoms, they are advised to be checked right away.

There is also no evidence that Covid-19 can be passed from a woman to her unborn child or to her newborn baby.

In some cases of pregnant or newly delivered women positive with COVID-19, there were no viruses found in samples of their amniotic fluid or breastmilk.  There were also no trace of vertical transfer from the mother to the child.  There were instances though when newly born were diagnosed positive of the virus but they were not linked to direct transmission from the mother.

It is not required that pregnant women suspected or confirmed with COVID-19 need to give birth by cesarean section.

The woman’s preference together with the Doctor’s advice will always be given preference. Another consideration would be the woman’s health condition.  Hence, it is not true that a pregnant woman suspected or confirmed with corona virus need to give birth by cesarean section.

Mothers with COVID-19 can continue to breastfeed their babies.

As there is no evidence of any trace of virus in the breast milk, a mother can continue to breastfeed her baby but has to practice proper respiratory hygiene such as washing hands before and after touching the baby, by wearing a mask while breastfeeding, and making sure that the clothes she is wearing is clean.  It is also highly recommended that the room and the surrounding areas be disinfected and sanitized regularly.

    Pregnant or expecting mothers, are advised to stay home and may only go to the doctor when necessary.  Since pre-natal visits are also important, it is highly advised that they call their doctors for proper scheduling of the visits.  The Obgyne are also very cautious and careful with pre-natal visits nowadays.