COVID-19: The effects on pregnancy and birth
The widespread pandemic of Covid-19 has left us all baffled, scared and we all know someone who has been affected by its reach. But what happens when the person dealing with it is a pregnant mother? How badly is she affected? Will this impact her little one? Let’s get right down to business and look at all the variables.
Pregnant women are not more likely to get Covid-19 than others. However, if you are expecting a baby, here are some steps you can actively take to avoid contracting Covid-19:
Social distancing
Wearing a mask
Using a sanitiser with a high alcohol content
Avoid touching your hands and face
Try to work from home, rather than in an office setting
If you live in a hotspot area you should get tested regularly
Use N-95 masks
For transport, private vehicles are preferable but if you use public transport, make sure you practice social distancing and use sanitiser.
PREGNANCY
Your OB/GYN and other medical professionals should check for any travel abroad, contact with infected people and your respiratory systems. Covid-19 during pregnancy is usually mild, unless there are co-morbidities. An In-utero infection to your baby may occur but the effects are very mild. If symptoms worsen, contact your medical team immediately.
LABOUR
An attempt should be made to keep the birth of the baby as normal a process as possible. If you are Covid positive, you should deliver in a separate Covid ward, in a Covid specific labour room or OT. Both an epidural and anaesthesia are okay to administer but the medical team should keep a strict eye on your temperature, respiratory rate and oxygen levels.
POSTPARTUM
Postpartum care can and should be kept as normal as possible. There is no need for special diets postpartum, a practice commonly followed in India. Your baby can be breastfed if good hygiene practices are followed. There may be cases where you have to be separated from your newborn.If you choose to breastfeed, ask for a medical grade pump and express milk that can then be bottle-fed to your little one. Make sure there are friends and family around to offer emotional care & support in such a scenario.
Indian culture has a lot of rituals and practices associated with pregnancy, both before and after the baby is born. Try to avoid these rituals that involve groups of visitors and strictly limit the number of visitors who come to see your newborn.
What about the Covid Vaccination?
India currently has two variants of the vaccination available - Covaxin and Covishield. International medical bodies have recommended the Covid vaccine for pregnant and lactating mothers. So, you can take two doses (and now a booster shot) of either vaccination worry-free!