The effect of covid-19 is so drastic that no person, no matter what the situation is, can no longer avoid it and that is the reason why its effects are now seen on pregnant women too.
Women who are pregnant or want to be pregnant are having numerous doubts. Coronavirus has played a very important role in changing their doubts into anxiety.
- We will be listing few common questions asked by women, here in this article :
- Are pregnant women more at risk of being covid positive?
- Do pregnant women need to come to the hospital for frequent check-ups?
- Is ultrasound testing (US scan) necessary?
- Is vaccination necessary for pregnant women?
- If the woman is pregnant and inadvertently came in contact with a covid-19 positive person, is she at a high risk?
- If the parents are covid positive, will it affect the growing fetus?
- In case of mother being infected with virus, is it compulsary that child birth must occur via C- section?
- Can Covid positive women breastfeed their baby?
We will be listing few common questions asked by women, here in this article :
Are pregnant women more at risk of being covid positive?
No, it is not so, but when a woman is pregnant, her immunity is lowered, thus special attention is needed at such times. One should always be aware that there is life in the womb of a woman who is breathing. Hence all pregnant women have to pay special attention to their hygiene. Always keep the hands clean, keep the mask on, and do not allow any kind of touch on the face. If you feel any symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
Do pregnant women need to come to the hospital for frequent check-ups?
No, there is no need for women to visit the hospital. If a woman is in her first trimester, the medicines that are needed can be consulted by tele-communication or video consultation with your doctor. For example, folic acid or vomiting medicine prescriptions for nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Is ultrasound testing (US scan) necessary?
Yes, an ultrasound is very important in 7 to 8 months as it is known whether the fetus is growing properly.
After that, the next check-up is after 13 weeks which is called Anti NB scan and double mark. This is a very important and you have to visit the hospital for this. This is followed by sonography at Level 2, which takes between 18 and 20 weeks, followed by a third check-up at 28 weeks, followed by 34 to 35 weeks, when you feel the need.
During this time you can get in touch and talk to your doctor through WhatsApp, Video Consultation.
Is vaccination necessary for pregnant women?
Yes. Vaccination is very important during pregnancy and the doctor will suggest you for that. Though ‘covishield and covaxin’ both have not been tested for the pregnant population, one should talk to her doctor about other alternatives. It is not necessary to go to the hospital again and again but it is important to stay in touch with your doctor.
If the woman is pregnant and inadvertently came in contact with a covid-19 positive person, is she at a high risk?
There is nothing to panic about in such a situation. In such a situation, there can be two types of conditions. First of all, those who are covid positive, have symptoms or not.
Even if they are asymptomatic, you have to get your covid test done and go for a 14-day quarantine. If the test comes out to be negative, then you should be in a 14-day self-quarantine. Keep in touch with the doctor constantly and take care of yourself as much as possible.
If by any chance you get infected with virus, do not panic! I repeat DO NOT PANIC! As then it will not be favorable for your growing fetus.
Under such circumstances, you will be taken to the hospital for 4 to 5 days according to levels 1, 2, and 3, or according to your CT Scan scores, where you will be tested for covid-19 and will be kept under observation for more than 24 hours. If your two consecutive tests become negative, congrats! you will be discharged.
The only key is to not panic and let affect your baby at any cost. Instead follow the advice of your doctor and stay calm as much as you can. Hear meditational podcasts, music or perform more of breathing exercises which I’ll be mentioning in my next article.
If the parents are covid positive, will it affect the growing fetus?
The report of all such cases that have come after the coronavirus pandemic, denies this. Parents being covid positive do not let any kind of infection to the fetus.
Just two cases were reported in which the babies were found covid positive. However, both of them recovered well. This disease is very unpredictable, so nothing can be said about it, but yes, caution is a must. As of now, all the women who have given birth to babies are out of danger of covid.
In case of mother being infected with virus, is it compulsary that child birth must occur via C- section?
No. It is not like that at all. According to the WHO, contact your doctor, he can best tell you how the delivery will be.
Delivery due to infection will only be through C-section, or normal deliveries couldn’t take place is an absolute myth. But if there is any type of emergency, then the child may go through an operation.
Can Covid positive women breastfeed their baby?
Yes, she can do so. The mother has to continuously keep in mind to always keep the mask on. One has to take great care of her hands and facial hygiene. Make sure to wash your hands before touching the baby. Make sure that no sneeze or cough droplets are passed over the child as it spreads infection. If you keep a mask on and your hands clean, you can feed your baby.
Pregnant women with covid-19 need not panic but need to be aware and alert. Keep in touch with your doctor and follow his suggestions.
Stay safe and DO NOT PANIC! This too will pass soon.
Also read: How to get rid of menstrual pain?
