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COVID-19 Precautions for Pregnant Women

Precautions For Pregnant Women To Avoid The Coronavirus

by Premier Hospitals | July 22, 2020 |

For pregnant women, special precautions are a part of everyday life. Everyday precautions are avoiding caffeine or alcohol, avoiding smoking, avoiding raw meat and soft cheeses - these are standard tips for a healthy pregnancy. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, pregnant women should take additional precautions. COVID-19, a disease caused by the new Coronavirus, has spread rapidly throughout the world and is now a pandemic, according to the World Health Organization. Most pregnant patients have concerns about the effects of COVID-19 on their health, both for themselves and for their babies.  According to what we know now, there is an increased risk of severe COVID-19 disease in pregnant people compared to non-pregnant people. Also, pregnant women with COVID-19 may have an increased risk of unwanted pregnancy outcomes, such as premature birth. Therefore, if you are pregnant, remember to reduce the risk of disease. You can follow standard steps (like washing your hands properly) so that you can stay healthy and protect yourself and your family.  Although there is not enough research to determine whether pregnant women have a higher risk of developing COVID-19, doctors advise pregnant women to take special precautions. This is based on existing scientific evidence that pregnant women may be at higher risk for certain infections due to changes in their bodies during pregnancy. Also, pregnant women have a higher risk of developing severe illnesses from the virus from the same family as COVID-19 and other viral respiratory infections such as influenza. Let us see this article to know more about What should pregnant women do to avoid the Coronavirus? What is a coronavirus?

Seven types of coronaviruses are known to infect humans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Many are mild and cause colds, but some forms of viruses, such as MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV, can cause serious illness. COVID-19 is the name of the disease caused by 2020's new coronavirus outbreak.  On January 30, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Coronavirus as a global health emergency. The term is used to describe "emergencies" that pose public health risks to many countries and may require a coordinated international response, according to WHO. On March 11, WHO said COVID-19 was officially a global pandemic. Am I more prone to Coronavirus because I am pregnant? Coronavirus is a family of viruses that can cause respiratory problems that resemble the common cold and seasonal flu. Symptoms range from mild to severe. Most of the people infected with Coronavirus have mild symptoms and don't need to be hospitalized.   The new Coronavirus spreads from person to person. According to the CDC, the virus spreads:
  • Between people who are in close contact (within a distance of about 6 feet).
  • Breath drops that spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
  • When droplets enter the mouth or nose of people nearby or if they breathe the droplets into the lungs.
During pregnancy, women experience changes in their bodies that can make them more susceptible to viral respiratory infections, and this can include COVID-19. Pregnant women must continue to be careful during their pregnancy and follow precautionary measures. What are the effects of Coronavirus in pregnant women?

If you are pregnant and flu-like symptoms worsen, it might mean your lung infection is getting worse, and you may need to be hospitalized. If you experience more severe symptoms or your recovery is delayed, contact a hospital immediately for initial treatment. What are the effects of Coronavirus on my baby if I test positive for COVID-19? As this is an entirely new virus, we don't yet have all the information and evidence available. There is no evidence of an increased risk of miscarriage when exposed to COVID-19. There is also no evidence of vertical transmission, which indicates the ability of the virus to transmit to your unborn baby during pregnancy. In a study of nine pregnant women in China who tested positive for COVID-19, all nine babies were tested negative for the virus and were generally healthy. A pregnant woman in London tested positive for the Coronavirus, and then her baby was also positive. However, it is not clear whether the baby has a viral infection in the womb or immediately after birth. According to experts, babies may not be exposed during pregnancy, and babies may not experience developmental disorders as a result. At present, there is no new evidence to suggest otherwise.

What can I do as a pregnant woman to avoid the Coronavirus?
  • Go virtual. Consider as many virtual consultations as possible instead of prenatal visits to your obstetrician. Don't miss your prenatal care appointments.
  • Limit your interactions with others as much as possible.
  • Take precautions to prevent COVID-19 from interacting with others.
  • Make sure you have drugs available for at least 30 days.
  • Talk to your doctor about how to stay healthy and look after yourself during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • If you don't have a doctor, contact the nearest health centre in the community 
  • Contact your doctor if you have questions about your health.
  • Get immediate medical attention if you have emergency medical care.
  • Stress can increase during this pandemic. Anxiety and fear can be massive and cause strong emotions. Do some stress coping exercises.

As a doctor, we advise patients to treat COVID-19 like other viruses such as seasonal flu and to take the above precautions with some general precautions.
  • Wash your hands often. Hand hygiene can protect you from COVID-19 exposure. You can hear this repeatedly, but for a good reason.
  • Practice social distance. Always keep a distance of at least 2 meters from each other when you are in a public place. Avoid contact with others as much as possible.
  • Get vaccinations on time. Although the flu vaccine will not protect you from COVID-19 exposure, you are less susceptible to flu, which can cause complications during pregnancy.
  • Use a cloth when coughing or sneezing and throw a cloth into the dustbin. Wash your hands immediately afterwards.
  • Don't ignore respiratory symptoms. If you experience coughing or shortness of breath, don't hesitate to contact your doctor. After a detailed medical history, your doctor will decide whether you should be tested for COVID-19.
  • Go virtual. Consider as many virtual consultations as possible instead of prenatal visits to your obstetrician. Try to keep time in the doctor's waiting room or the hospital as short as possible. However, some tests require you to be present in humans, e.g. B. with ultrasound, blood test and fetal test.
  • Try to minimize or altogether avoid spending time in the doctor's waiting room or the hospital. However, some tests will require you to be there in people such as ultrasound, blood tests, and fetal testing.
  • If possible, work from home if you're working.
  • Watch out Symptoms such as fever with or without persistent cough can indicate the possibility of coronavirus infection. Avoid close contact with people who have these symptoms.
  • Don't be too stressed out when your time gets closer, because the hospital has a safe delivery system and to ensure a minimal risk of newborn exposure.
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Wash for at least 20 seconds before eating, after sneezing, and after bathing.
  • In addition to washing hands, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
  • Clean surfaces regularly like counters and cellphones.
  • Sneezing and coughing on the elbow, not in the hands or the air.
  • Coughing or sneezing on the elbow (folded)
  • If possible, keep your distance more than 1.5 meters from people
  • You should also practice "physical distance" and try to keep a distance of 1.5m between you and others if possible (e.g. if you are in a public place outside).
  • Do not shake hands, hug or kiss hands
  • Keep away from vulnerable people, e.g. a person with a weak immune system
  • Now it's time to seek support from your family and friends. Stay in touch via email, message or video chat. Consider starting a new hobby or getting new skills. Do things that make you happy and calm your mind, e.g. take a long bath, meditate or read a book. Exercise according to your doctor's instructions and do Kegel and squat regularly as directed.

Although a mother may not be able to transmit the virus to her baby during childbirth after pregnancy, her baby can be infected by the mother breastfeeding or by other family members. Follow the link for breastfeeding precautions. Conclusion: Caring for a child during COVID-19 can be a challenge, and pregnant/postpartum women are at higher risk of experiencing health problems. Pregnant women are encouraged to talk with family, friends, community support, and doctors during this difficult time to talk about precautions that need to be taken. For more information, contact Premier Hospital at 040-23515100, +91-77020 01163 and book your appointment now!