The Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Your Pregnancy: What the Experts are Saying
If you are expecting and watching the news, you might be wondering how the coronavirus (COVID-19) might temporarily or permanently affect you and your baby. With information changing by the minute, it is difficult to know how to protect your growing family. It is normal to feel confused and stressed during this time, but it might alleviate some of that anxiety to know what the experts are saying.
Let’s talk about some of the very recent, but limited, research about the coronavirus (COVID-19) as it relates to pregnancy and newborns.
What is the coronavirus (COVID-19)?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), coronaviruses are viruses that can cause illness, such as respiratory (lung) infections. Some infections can lead to minor colds while others can lead to what we now know as COVID-19. It is believed that COVID-19 emerged from China in late 2019.
What does research tell us at this point about COVID-19 and pregnancy?
A 2020 Lancet study, Clinical characteristics and intrauterine vertical transmission potential of COVID-19 infection in nine pregnant women: a retrospective review of medical records, examined nine (9) pregnant Chinese patients who tested positive for coronavirus. The patients were all in their third trimesters and delivered their babies via c-section. The patients were observed to have cough, fever, muscle pain, low white blood cell count, and sore throat, among other symptoms. All nine (9) babies were safely delivered, but two did experience distress. The babies had satisfactory Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration (APGAR) scores between 8-10, indicating that they were in very good condition during labor and after birth. APGAR exams are conducted one (1) minute and five (5) minutes post birth. Post-birth, the babies tested negative for coronavirus. All mothers’ breastmilk tested negative for the virus as well. There was no evidence of the virus in the baby’s noses, mouths, throats, amniotic fluid, and cord blood. By the publication of the study, all mothers were said to be alive. Ultimately, the study indicated that pregnant patients with coronavirus have the same symptoms as those who are not pregnant. Researchers also concluded that there is a possibility that mothers do not transmit the illness to their newborns which is promising news.
In another recent 2020 study published in Translational Pediatrics, Clinical analysis of 10 neonates born to mothers with 2019-nCoV pneumonia, researchers examined nine (9) pregnant Chinese patients who tested positive for coronavirus. The patients reported several symptoms such as fever, cough, and diarrhea. They delivered four (4) full-term babies and six (6) premature babies. The babies experienced fever, shortness of breath, and vomiting, among other symptoms. Of the ten (10) babies, five (5) recovered and were released from the hospital, four (4) are still in the hospital, and one (1) died as of the publication of the study. The surviving babies tested negative for the coronavirus after birth. As of publication, none of the mothers are believed to have transmitted the coronavirus to their babies.
So what can you do in light of this information?
If you are not feeling well and have a fever, headache, cough, or other concerning symptoms, please contact your care provider as soon as possible. While you may be experiencing a common cold, it is best to let your care provider know how you are feeling now as time is of the essence.
According to the World Health Organization, here are some other best practices that can help protect you and your baby from the coronavirus:
Wash your hands with soap and water frequently. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer(with 70% alcohol) if you cannot wash your hands. Both methods kill viruses that may be on your hands. Remember to clean items you use regularly with disinfecting wipes or spray, like your cell phone, computer keyboard, and door knobs.
Stay at least 6 feet from individuals who are coughing or sneezing. The coronavirus may be contained in the liquid droplets that can come from the nose and mouth. When you are too close to someone who is coughing or sneezing, you may breathe in these droplets and become sick.
Hands off your face (much easier said than done!). The virus can enter your body through mucous pathways, like the ones in your eyes, nose, and mouth. Try not to touch your face throughout the day.
If you are sick, cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing. Instead of using your hand, sneeze or cough into your elbow by bringing it to your face. Again, we do not want anyone to be exposed to droplets.
Stay home whenever possible. While it’s understandable that an occasional grocery or pharmacy trip is needed, consider using apps that allow for online ordering so you do not have to leave the home often.
Follow your local and national news outlets so you can be informed of any new developments. Visit reputable websites, like the World Health Organization for updates.
Bottom Line
Stay home, protect yourself, and practice good hygiene. Use the recommended self-care methods described in this blog to ensure you are minimizing your risk of exposure. We will get through this.