Coronavirus Precautions for Childbirth at Can Hastanesi

COVID-19 AND PREGNANCY

If you are pregnant, have recently given birth or are breastfeeding your baby, you may have many questions on your mind during the current pandemic. In this article, we aim to answer those questions and inform you with an objective approach, free from worry.

RISKS DURING PREGNANCY

For pregnant women, the risk of being affected by COVID-19 is low. However, COVID-19 can increase the risk of some serious conditions during pregnancy. According to recent reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, USA, pregnant patients with COVID-19 are more likely to experience respiratory complications and to need intensive care than non-pregnant women. Pregnant women are also more likely to need a mechanical ventilator (breathing machine).

Women of African or Hispanic descent are also more affected by COVID-19. Women with underlying conditions such as diabetes also tend to have a more severe course of COVID-19.

According to some studies, pregnant women diagnosed with COVID-19 have higher rates of preterm birth and cesarean delivery, and their babies are more often monitored in the neonatal intensive care unit.

For this reason, if you contract COVID-19 during pregnancy or have been in contact with someone who has, you should always talk to the doctor following your pregnancy.

If you are pregnant and have a COVID-19 infection, you should follow the treatment plan recommended by your doctor, take your prescribed medications regularly and make sure to drink plenty of water.

Efforts to control COVID-19 infection should not come at the expense of prenatal care and counseling. You can get detailed information on this from your obstetrician. Reading materials about childbirth and attending online classes are also very helpful. If you are in a high-risk group for COVID-19, be sure to share this with your doctor as well.

If you are healthy and nearing the end of your pregnancy, your routine checkups will continue. Even so, you may need to be prepared for changes depending on the overall situation. If you have a scheduled vaginal delivery or cesarean section, you will need a COVID-19 test 24–48 hours before the birth. Likewise, the healthcare staff caring for you will be tested regularly. You will also be screened for signs of COVID-19 infection before and after the birth. If you have symptoms or test positive, your delivery appointment will be rescheduled.

To protect your health and your baby's, the number of people allowed in hospital rooms is limited. During your hospital stay, both you and the staff caring for you are screened daily for signs of illness. You can get detailed information about these measures from your healthcare team.

If you develop suspicious symptoms during your hospital stay and are awaiting a COVID-19 test result, you should keep your mask on and always wash your hands before touching your baby. Your baby's crib can be next to your bed, but keeping a reasonable distance is also very important. With these precautions, the chance of your baby becoming infected is reduced.

If you have a severe COVID-19 infection, you will need to be kept completely separate from your baby.

Your follow-up care will continue after the birth. During this time, your greatest concern will undoubtedly be your own and your family's health. Beyond all this, protecting your mental health is also very important. Do not neglect the social support of family and friends through video calls.

If you experience low mood, fatigue or changes in appetite after giving birth, these may be signs of postpartum depression. If you have such symptoms, or if you are struggling to take care of yourself or your baby, you are advised to contact your doctor.

Breastfeeding Guidance

• Studies have found no evidence that the virus passes to the baby through breast milk. The real concern is the possibility of transmission from mother to baby through the respiratory route (via droplets) during breastfeeding.
• If you have or suspect a COVID-19 infection, you need to take certain precautions. The most important are always washing your hands before touching your baby and wearing a mask while breastfeeding. If you use a breast pump, always wash your hands before touching the pump and its parts, and follow the rules for cleaning the pump. If a relative is with you, it is recommended that they feed the expressed milk to the baby.

COVID-19 Vaccines During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

At present, there are not enough studies on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and belong to a group that should be vaccinated, getting vaccinated will be the right choice. You can talk to your doctor to find out the best course of action.

To protect yourself from the disease, always follow social distancing rules and avoid contact with people who have symptoms. Keep your mask on at work and in shared spaces. Limit contact with people as much as possible; use video calls or video conferencing instead. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.

All of this guidance is extremely important for your health and your baby's. If you have any concerns, talking to your doctor will be very helpful. And if you are having trouble managing stress, getting professional support is very important for both your health and your baby's.