World Health Organization issued a guide on COVID-19 pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.
Several babies around the globe have been reported to have acquired and died of the 2019 coronavirus disease or COVID-19.
To help parents protect their children against the pandemic as well as the spread of misinformation, the World Health Organization answered frequently asked questions on COVID-19 pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.
Are pregnant women at higher risk from COVID-19?
Research is currently underway to understand the impacts of COVID 19 infection on pregnant women. Data are limited, but at present, there is no evidence that they are at higher risk of severe illness than the general population.
However, due to changes in their bodies and immune systems, we know that pregnant women can be severely affected by some respiratory infections. It is, therefore, crucial that they take precautions to protect themselves against COVID-19 and report possible symptoms (including fever, cough, or difficulty breathing) to their healthcare provider.
WHO will continue to review and update its information and advice as more evidence becomes available.
Pregnant women should take the same precautions to avoid COVID-19 infection as other people. You can help protect yourself by:
- Washing your hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
- Keeping space between yourselves and others and avoiding crowded areas.
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Practicing respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
If you have a fever, cough or difficulty breathing, seek medical care early. Call before going to a health facility, and follow the directions of your local health authority.
Pregnant women and women who have recently delivered – including those affected by COVID-19 – should attend their routine care appointments.
Testing protocols and eligibility vary depending on where you live. However, WHO recommendations are that pregnant women with symptoms of COVID-19 should be prioritized for testing. If they have COVID-19, they may need specialized care.
Can COVID-19 be passed from a woman to her unborn or newborn baby?
WHO still does not know if a pregnant woman with COVID-19 can pass the virus to her fetus or baby during pregnancy or delivery. To date, the virus has not been found in samples of amniotic fluid or breastmilk.
WHO Guide on COVID-19 Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Breastfeeding
All pregnant women, including those with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infections, have the right to high-quality care before, during, and after childbirth. This includes antenatal, newborn, postnatal, intrapartum, and mental health care.
A safe and positive childbirth experience includes:
- Being treated with respect and dignity;
- Having a companion of choice present during delivery;
- Clear communication by maternity staff;
- Appropriate pain relief strategies:
- Mobility in labor where possible, and birth position of choice.
If COVID-19 is suspected or confirmed, health workers should take all appropriate precautions to reduce risks of infection to themselves and others, including hand hygiene, and proper use of protective clothing like gloves, gown, and a medical mask.
- Practice respiratory hygiene during feeding, wearing a mask where available;
- Wash hands before and after touching the baby;
- Routinely clean and disinfect surfaces they have touched.
Yes. Close contact and early, exclusive breastfeeding helps a baby to thrive. You should be supported to
- Breastfeed safely, with good respiratory hygiene;
- Hold your newborn skin-to-skin, and
- Share a room with your baby
You should wash your hands before and after touching your baby and keep all surfaces clean.
- Expressing milk;
- Relactation;
- Donor human milk.
Also read: 23-day-old baby dies of COVID-19 in Batangas