COVID-19 is a respiratory infection that in most cases is moderate / severe. Pregnant women receiving COVID-19 are generally not at greater risk compared to non-pregnant women; However, in some cases, some factors increase the risk of hospital admission.
However, there is little evidence that there is a risk to the developing baby, although premature birth may be higher. Overall, pregnancy is safe even with COVID-19 more moderate / severe with minimal risk to the baby.
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Does pregnancy lead to harder COVID-19?
To date most studies have not shown an increased risk for developing a more serious disease if pregnant. However, pregnant women are basically considered to be at medium risk overall. Most pregnant women who receive COVID-19 usually have only moderate to severe symptoms, although there are always exceptions. Where there have been cases, they have mostly been in the third trimester of pregnancy (28 weeks +).
Pregnant women should follow the guidelines regarding social pace, mask wear and hand hygiene frequently. Pregnant women in their third trimester should be more vigilant and try to avoid as much social contact with out-of-home people or their bubble.
Focusing on trying to have a safe and healthy pregnancy should be a priority. This can include (but is not limited to) folic acid and vitamin D fortification, as well as regular exercise.
Increased risk of more serious infections in some pregnant women
While the majority of COVID-19 cases in pregnant women tend to be moderate to severe, there are some cases where there is a serious infection that may require admission. to the hospital intensive care unit.
Most of the most severe cases also tend to be related to the common risk factors for developing a more severe disease, including a higher body index, a higher age. prevalence and comorbidities such as cardiovascular / lung disease, heart disease and diabetes (all forms including gestational).
COVID-19 and newborns
There is no evidence to suggest that newborns are at much greater risk of pregnancy due to COVID-19. Recent studies have shown that COVID-19 pregnancy does not significantly increase mortality or neonatal mortality, even with very severe infection.
Mothers treated to intensive care units as a result of severe disease tend to have a higher frequency of preterm birth than those with or without milder COVID-19. This may be related to COVID-19 causing complications directly, or on the advice of clinicians to ensure a safe birth.
There is little evidence that COVID-19 is transmitted directly from mother to child. What is known, is that COVID-19 in neonates is uncommon, but there have been cases of neonatal birth within 24 hours of birth. In these cases, it is not known whether the virus was contracted, during or after birth. Of the new infants who have been positive for COVID-19, most or very few had mild symptoms with very few severe illnesses.
The World Health Organization recently published a scientific summary (February 8, 2021) of the direct mother-to-child distribution of SARS-CoV-2 and its timing, reviewing current evidence on the subject.
Respiratory viruses are not readily transmitted in utero, and no reports of SARS-CoV or MERS-CoV respiratory coronaviruses have been reported in utero. There are some issues in the spread of flu in this way. The WHO states that evidence on the direct release of SARS-Cov-2 is inconclusive and that data on the subject are limited due to factors such as the lack of standard definitions. Further research and standardization are needed to develop knowledge on this topic.
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Vaccines, pregnancy and breast milk
There are still very few data on the effects of COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy and until there is hard evidence that there are no adverse effects for both mother and baby, COVID-19 vaccines should not be given to pregnant women with child, if not. they are at increased risk of COVID-19 infection.
The CDC strongly recommends that pregnant women with a flu shot in addition to the whooping cough (Tdap) vaccine protect against mother and baby, as they both have clear evidence that there is no risk. when they are pregnant.
It is important to note that health authorities around the world have not raised any specific concerns regarding COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy, however, until there is clear clinical evidence, the These vaccines during pregnancy unless your doctor advises otherwise.
According to guidelines from health authorities around the world, getting vaccinated while breastfeeding is not considered a risk to the baby. Furthermore, testing for COVID-19 while breastfeeding is not considered a positive risk of transmitting COVID-19 to the baby. Currently (February 2021), the WHO recommends that women with COVID-19 can still feed their newborns.
If the mother is testing positive for COVID-19 after the birth of the baby, it is important to use protective measures such as keeping pace (as much as possible), wearing a mask and washing. things the child uses often. If a healthy carer who is not at risk of serious illness is available to care for the new baby once at home, this is an option, although care must be taken. Healthcare providers can help provide advice on this, or you can visit the CDC website for further guidance.
Confidently, the risk of COVID-19 infection is very low in infants, and most babies will have few symptoms when they contract.
Summary
In summary, being pregnant and receiving COVID-19 at the same time does not usually increase the risk of more severe disease in younger healthy women (especially in the first 2 trimesters) . In addition, there is very little risk to the developing mother and baby in most cases.
However, some women with preterm or older comorbidities or a higher body index may be at greater risk in hospital where the potential for preterm birth is higher. Ensuring a safe pregnancy is important, especially in the 3rd trimester, where pregnant women should be more vigilant than most to reduce the risk of getting COVID-19.