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Pregnancy and Postpartum Healthcare with the Prevailing Pandemic

  • June 15, 2020
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Couples expecting new life into their world or who just have had a baby might want to be more cautious considering the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic. There are currently no data showing that COVID-19 affects pregnant or nursing mothers any differently but it would help to be mindful about avoiding infection.

The two keys to reducing the risk of contracting the virus are to practice social distancing and hygiene. The use of face masks when out in the community is recommended.

All pregnant women should provide the following information:

  • A detailed travel history
  • History of exposure to people with COVID-19
  • Symptoms of COVID-19
  • Immunocompromised conditions

Do not skip medical appointments. Ask your healthcare provider if steps are taken to separate healthy patients from those who may be sick. Talk to them about the infection prevention plan for COVID-19. Recommended vaccines such as influenza and Tdap will enhance overall protection.

Choose a suitable location for the delivery. A single, asymptomatic birth partner should be permitted to stay with the woman at a minimum through birth. Visitors and staff should be instructed to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). It is important to follow all regular COVID19 preventive recommendations strictly.

Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for infants. COVID-19 does not spread to babies through breast milk, even if the mother is tested positive for the virus. If a woman is tested positive, she may choose to breastfeed the baby either by wearing a face covering or by using a dedicated breast pump to extract breast milk.

To conclude, COVID-19 infection is currently not an indication for medical termination of pregnancy. Do not let stress and fatigue of the pandemic overwhelm you. It is important to follow precautionary measures to keep the pregnant and new born safe.

Developed by Scientific Angle brought to you by Health Meter Services

Disclaimer: Don’t follow any suggestions in this article without consulting a qualified doctor

Sources:

  1. ‘If You Are Pregnant, Breastfeeding, or Caring for Young Children.’ Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html.
  2. ‘Guidance for Management of Pregnant Women in COVID-19 Pandemic.’ India Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Available at: https://www.icmr.gov.in/pdf/covid/techdoc/Guidance_for_Management_of_Pregnant_Women_in_COVID19_Pandemic_12042020.pdf.
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