If you knew someone pregnant during this pandemic, you would have experienced first-hand the fears and worries the person exhibited concerning the effects of COVID on their pregnancy. For those who have recently given birth, the concern is geared towards the general safety of the baby, especially during breast-feeding.
In this article, we would take a look at those effects that worry both expecting and new mothers, as well as guidelines to cushion these effects. We would also show you the necessity for COVID-19 test for a pregnant woman.
COVID-19 concerns on Pregnancy
The good news is, there are very few cases of COVID-19 fatalities in regards to pregnancy. That being said, because of the stress pregnancy puts on the body, most Pregnant COVID patients have to make use of Ventilators due to respiratory diseases. The CDC (Centre for Disease Control) instructs that every COVID-19 pregnant patient should be monitored for the severity of symptoms. If complications arise, they should be placed in an intensive care unit. The severity of symptoms may also vary based on ethnicity.
There is still ongoing research on the effects of COVID-19 on pregnancy because we are still in the dark on the effects it has on childbirth. Up till date, there hasn’t been any confirmed case of a premature delivery due to COVID-19. That being said, WHO made COVID-19 test mandatory for pregnant women.
When experiencing COVID-19 symptoms after a confirmed COVID-19 test during pregnancy, the pregnant lady should immediately dial the healthcare provider’s hotline for immediate testing and isolation. Treatment would be for each symptom while taking enough water to replenish lost bodily fluid.
Prenatal care and COVID-19 setbacks
Due to the guidelines established to control the spread of the pandemic, prenatal care has been greatly affected, and expectant mothers have to stay at home. Routine home visits and virtual prenatal care are suitable effective alternatives. Always prepare questions ahead of your virtual meetings, like alternative tools you can use to make your stay at home more comfortable for you and the baby.
Journey to childbirth
As pregnancy comes to an end, preparations for childbirth beckons and delivery is almost certain. Before delivery, COVID_19 screening is carried out twice, 48hours before childbirth and right before the patient is transported to the delivery ward. A positive result would mean delivery might have to be temporarily put on hold.
The amount of personnel in the delivery room is limited due to COVID health care procedures, and family members won’t be allowed visits without safety precautions in place. Visiting family members would be screened for COVID-19, so it is crucial to maintain constant communication with your healthcare provider at all times.
You must practise safety procedures when handling your new-born baby, especially when still ignorant about your COVID-19 status or maintain temporarily distance from the baby if symptoms are prevalent.
Guidelines to Postpartum
Just like prenatal, Postpartum would be primarily carried out through virtual sessions, with office visits only when necessary.
This period is usually stressful, so it is essential to have family and friend help out while they maintain Safety procedures. Always communicate with them to ensure you retain sound mental health and prevent emotional breakdown.
There are cases where some mothers undergo severe depression, and this leads them to fall short in care for their baby. Constant communication with your health care provider is essential in these cases.
Challenges during breast-feeding
Research hasn’t provided any proof that COVID-19 can be transmissible through breast milk. The nature of breast milk makes it difficult for the virus to exist. But the transmissible probability through contact between mother and baby is one that has been established.
To avoid infecting the baby, the mother should adhere to safety COVID-19 guidelines such as hand washing, use of sanitisers, use of face masks and hand gloves. Alternatively, a breast milk pump can be used under sanitised conditions to extract breast milk for the baby.
Your Duty
Finally, the major work lies with you and how far you are willing to go to ensure your baby is safe. You have to strictly adhere to WHO’s COVID-19 guidelines which emphasise on social distancing and the use of facemasks in public places. In case, If you think you are infected by this virus you may content with any covid-19 test clinic in London.
The life of your baby is in your hands, so ensure you reach out to your healthcare provider whenever necessary. Happy motherhood.