Darrick Robles When you or someone you love is pregnant or has had a baby, this time can be not only exciting but also worrisome. We researched what is now important for pregnant and breastfeeding women. One thing in advance: The overall probability of complications due to COVID-19 is extremely low.
350,000 babies are born worldwide every day. Anyone who is pregnant now experiences different circumstances in two senses: there is growing life, combined with a lot of anticipation, and there are also numerous fears that are caused by the current corona pandemic. Women who have just given birth also have many questions about this topic and are understandably concerned for their own safety and that of their baby.
How safe are pregnant women infected with the coronavirus?
In general, pregnant women are not more at risk from the corona virus than the general population – at least there is currently no evidence of this. Most pregnant women only develop mild or moderate symptoms, similar to those of a cold or the flu . More serious symptoms or complications may be more likely to occur if the pregnant woman also has heart or lung disease.
Does the coronavirus increase the risk of miscarriage?
There is currently no evidence that being infected with COVID-19 makes miscarriage more likely. It is also considered unlikely that the coronavirus will cause abnormalities in the fetus. However, there is only a very small database here so far: In a Chinese study, 20 pregnant women who were diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last trimester of pregnancy were examined. In no case was the baby infected and no other abnormalities were found, neither in the mothers nor in the children.
What precautions are necessary before childbirth?
The same protective measures are recommended for pregnant women as are for the general population. Pregnant women in particular who have exceeded the 28-week limit should consistently practice social distancing and, if possible, avoid contact with family members and friends with whom they do not live together. Frequent hand washing makes sense, as does a healthy diet and being proactive in dealing with stress . The prenatal appointments can and should be observed with the appropriate protective measures .
What to do if symptoms of COVID-19 appear?
If you’re experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and need to go to the hospital while pregnant, it’s a good idea to call ahead and ask what to do. This allows the medical staff to prepare for you and advise you on how to proceed.
What is the birth process like if you are infected with the corona virus?
The German Society for Gynecology and Obstetrics (DGGG) recommends that hospitals put suspected patients in an isolation room and equip them with medical respiratory protection. However, this serves to protect the clinic staff and fellow patients – the expectant mother is not exposed to any additional risk.
The requirements for accompanying persons are currently very strict: the pregnant woman may only be accompanied into the delivery room by another person, and only if this person has not tested positive for the corona virus. So if the father-to-be has COVID-19, he is not allowed to be present at the birth.
Can the coronavirus be passed on to the child?
The likelihood of the coronavirus passing to the baby during pregnancy or during childbirth is considered very low. There are currently no studies showing that COVID-19 can be transmitted in the womb. The virus can be passed on to the child more easily during breastfeeding, since mother and child become very close during this activity. If the mother is infected with COVID-19 at the time of birth, the baby will also be tested for the coronavirus.
Can you breastfeed normally?
There is currently no evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted through breast milk. The benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the potential risks of viral infection. Therefore, mothers infected with the coronavirus and mothers suspected of having COVID-19 are also encouraged to start breastfeeding around 1 hour after birth. The DGGG recommends the following precautionary measures:
- Washing hands before and after any contact with the baby
- Wearing a face mask while breastfeeding
- Strict compliance with sterilization requirements for bottles
- Using a special pump for expressing breast milk in the hospital
- Thorough pump cleaning after each use
- Cough or sneeze into the crook of your arm, not onto the baby
- Regular cleaning and disinfection of touched surfaces
Of course, these guidelines also apply when a child is fed pumped breast milk or equivalent substitute products by someone other than the mother.
Are fertility treatments still allowed?
The European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology recommends avoiding planned fertility treatments such as B. to pause in vitro fertilization for the time being. However, not all fertility clinics follow these guidelines. However, freezing of eggs or sperm due to cancer treatment should be performed. According to the recommendation, anyone who has already started an IVF cycle should freeze oocytes or embryos and carry out the implantation after the crisis.
