One of the most joyous moments in the life of a woman is falling pregnant and motherhood, but carrying out pregnancy during the coronavirus pandemic could be harmful to a pregnant lady as well as a newborn. Pregnant women are included in the moderate risk group as in some of the pregnant women, there can be major changes in the way their bodies can handle the infection. Pregnant women who are in their 28 weeks have the highest chances of falling severely sick after contracting the infection.
The Effects of Corona Virus on Pregnancy
- The chances of pregnancy are not higher than the general population for contracting the infection. However, once contracted a pregnant woman can suffer seriously due to the infection. Here is a list of some of the adverse effects of the corona virus on a pregnant woman.
- Pregnancy, in general, alters the body’s response and immune system to all viral infections and it is no different in the case of the COVID-19 virus. Thus, pregnant women contracting the COVID-19 viral infection will have severe symptoms.
- Cases reported of pneumonia related to COVID 19 in pregnancy have good recovery rates and milder symptoms.
- Pregnant women suffering from heart diseases either acquired or congenital are at a higher risk of experiencing severe symptoms due to COVID-19.
- There are no cases recorded of the vaginal secretions or breast milk testing positive due to COVID 19. However, vertical transmission is probable (transmission of the virus from the mother to the baby intrapartum or antenatally).
Advice for Pregnant Women Affected by COVID 19
- Pregnant women are recommended to go for antenatal routine care at the 12 weeks, 20 weeks, 28 weeks and 36 weeks of their gestation period until they meet the present self-isolation criteria.
- Appointments of women with symptoms should be deferred until a week from the time the symptoms appear.
- If the woman’s condition deteriorates, she should visit the best maternity hospital in Bangalore in her vehicle or inform her health condition to the ambulance staffs.
- 14 days after recovery from acute infection, the pregnant woman must go for an ultrasound for checking foetal growth.
Effects of COVID 19 in Newborns and Children
The incubation period of children, as well as adults for COVID 19, is 2 to 14 days. Some of the general symptoms or signs of COVID 19 that can be seen in children are fever, headache, myalgia, sore throat, cough, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nasal congestion etc. The most common symptoms in children are fever and cough. Whereas, the rare symptom is gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms. Many children have been seen suffering from erythematous skin rashes. If such skin rashes appear, it is advised to take your child to a well-known paediatric dermatologist without delay.
With some knowledge about the corona virus and its effect on pregnant women, you will be able to make an informed decision as to how to deal with it if you face such a problem.