Pregnancy in the time of a global pandemic

For expectant families, welcoming a baby during a pandemic is nerve-wrecking

For expectant families welcoming a new baby during a pandemic is nerve-wracking. More research is needed to better understand how coronavirus affects both, mothers and infant. As doctors grapple with Covid-19, we spoke to Zoona Saeed, obstetrician-gynecologist, on how the virus may affect new mothers and their newborns and what preventive measures can be taken to avoid the virus.



Is the incidence of  Covid-19 greater amongst pregnant women as compared to the general population?

Healthy pregnant women have the same chances of getting affected by Covid-19 as the general population. However pregnant women who have underlying comorbidities like high blood pressure, diabetes, respiratory and cardiac problems are at increased risk of contracting the disease therefore needs to be extra cautious.

How can pregnant women reduce the chances of acquiring Covid -19?

In order to reduce the risk of contracting the disease women should exercise

• Frequent hand washing –The hand washing session should not be less than 20 seconds in duration at a time.

• Social distancing is imperative and a minimum of two metres distance should be exercised between two people.

• Women should avoid the use of public transport.

• All small and large gatherings should be avoided.

• Women especially after 28 weeks of pregnancy should be working from home to minimise any exposure.

• They should stay away from any person who has cough/fever, shortness of breath or persistent headaches.

• Eat a nutrient rich diet to enhance their immunity.



What symptoms should pregnant women look out for?

If patient suffers from cough/cold, fever, shortness of breath and anosmia they should get themselves tested for Covid-19 and self isolate themselves for seven days. All the household contacts and other people who have been with the patient should quarantine for 14 days and get tested for the virus.

Do all pregnant women present with severe symptoms if they get affected by Covid -19?

Fortunately in pregnant women 80% cases have a mild presentation, 15% patients fall in the moderate degree that require oxygen therapy to overcome the virus and 5% are critical who require ventilator support.



How can pregnant women boost their immunity?

Pregnant women should boost their immunity in this challenging time by eating a nutrient rich diet consisting of fruits, vegetables and avoid junk food. They should consume regular iron, calcium, vitamin C and vitamin D3  supplements. Women should strictly avoid smoking during pregnancy.

Do all pregnant women affected by Covid-19 miscarry?

There is no increased risk of miscarriage amongst pregnant women in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy. There is increased risk of preterm birth from 28 weeks onwards therefore women need to be extra cautious in the third trimester of pregnancy.



Can pregnant women affected by Covid-19 deliver vaginally?

Covid-19 is not an indication for C-Section. Women are safe to have a trial of normal vaginal delivery.

Can pregnant women with Covid-19 breast feed their babies?

Even if a woman is Covid-19 positive, she is safe to breastfeed  as the virus does not enter the breast milk.