Birth in my country
Coronavirus and Pregnancy Guidance for India from LifeCell
Pregnancy concerns associated with the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic and its resulting disease COVID-19 are inevitable for all the new parents and parents-to-be out there. To put your worries at rest, we have addressed some of the most common queries on every parent’s mind. This content is adapted based on guidelines from agencies like CDC, ACOG, RCOG, FOGSI, ICMR and scientific publications so far. However, they are simplified and made user friendly for Indian context. The purpose of this page is to only provide basic information and our readers are encouraged to follow the instructions of their own healthcare professionals.
5 Tips to Prevent COVID-19 Infection in Pregnant Women
1. Stay at home 2. Wash your hands at regular intervals
3. Cover your mouth while coughing/sneezing
4. Avoid touching your face
5. Keep a minimum distance of 1 metre from others
Clinical Manifestations of COVID-19 in Pregnant Women
The Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI) observes that most pregnant women infected with COVID-19 have mild to moderate flu-like symptoms of cough, sore throat, and fever. These symptoms are common to other adults who have developed the infection. Women in the later months of pregnancy are more likely to exhibit difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath. Pregnant women that have pre-existing medical conditions, such as diabetes or asthma, may present with pneumonia and marked hypoxia (an absence of enough oxygen in the tissues to sustain bodily functions). Immunocompromised and older pregnant women may present with atypical features such as fatigue, malaise, body ache and/or gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and diarrhoea.
Research Suggests COVID-19 Cannot be Transmitted from Pregnant Mother to Baby
Preliminary research suggests that the COVID-19 infection is not transmitted from the mother to child via the placenta or during delivery. Recently in India, a mother who was coronavirus positive gave birth to an infant who tested negative for the infection 10 days post the delivery at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). This is the first such case in India where a baby was born to a coronavirus positive mother.
In a similar report from Wuhan, China, 33 babies born to mothers that were sick with the COVID-19 pneumonia were tested for the infection. Three of these babies, even though they were delivered via cesarean section, were diagnosed with mild signs of COVID-19 as newborns; although they recovered completely within a week. Since a mother infected with COVID-19 can transmit the virus to her newborn via close contact, it is advised that she is separated from the baby until she recovers.
Caring for Newborns During COVID-19 Pandemic
While it is unknown whether newborns with COVID-19 are at increased risk for complications, transmission of the disease post birth via direct contact with the mother is a concern. At present, testing is recommended if the mother has COVID-19 infection or if the baby is symptomatic. The Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI) recommends temporary separation of the mother and baby if the mother has confirmed COVID-19, until the mother’s transmission-based precautions are discontinued.