Pregnancy with COVID-19: Florence physician explains what you need to know | Health

During pregnancy, women experience body changes, some of which may increase the risk of infection. Viruses similar to COVID-19, such as flu and SARS-CoV, recognize that pregnant women are at increased risk of developing severe respiratory illness. However, based on limited data, there is no evidence that pregnant individuals with COVID-19 are more likely to be severely ill.

Pregnant women should follow the same recommendations as the general public to avoid exposure to the virus.

• Distance between you and others (at least 6 feet).

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

• If soap and water are not available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.

• When you are around others, cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover.

• Stay at home as much as possible.

• Avoid close contact with sick people.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.

Pregnant women with children should not have playdays with children in other households, be at least 6 feet away from other households when playing outside, and wear cloth covers indoors. You should be aware of the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that you are wearing. Public settings when possible. Do not place fabric face coverings on children under 2 years of age.

These unprecedented times can naturally cause great stress on each of us, but prolonged high levels of stress can adversely affect expected maternal health. Some easy ways to manage your stress include taking a break from pandemic news. Connect regularly with your family through phone, text, email, or visual chat (FaceTime, Skype, etc.). Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Exercise and get enough rest.

Childbirth and postpartum care

There are many concerns about COVID-19, but keep in mind that the safest place to give birth is a hospital.

During a pandemic, it is important to expect the mother to discuss the delivery plan with the gynecologist. The number of visitors and the length of hospital stay may change.

The CDC currently recommends that you are not allowed to enter a room with a new mother who has been diagnosed or suspected of having COVID-19. The guidelines recommend that infants be isolated and treated as presumed COVID-19-positive cases. Isolation helps prevent infection of the baby.

If you have any questions or concerns about your hospital experience, consult your care team.

Lactation with COVID-19

Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most infants. Currently, there is no evidence that the coronavirus was found in the mother’s milk. However, the data is limited. Your mother will need to work with your family and health care provider to decide whether or not to start or continue breastfeeding.

The mother of a symptomatic person (PUI) with known or investigated COVID-19 should take all possible precautions to prevent the virus from spreading to infants. Wash your hands before touching the baby and, if possible, wear a face mask. Breastfeeding on the chest. When expressing milk with a manual or electric breast pump, mothers must wash their hands before touching pump or bottle parts and follow proper pump cleaning recommendations after use. If possible, consider hiring someone who supplies enough milk to your infant.

It is important to contact your OB / GYN if you develop a fever or cough due to exposure to the coronavirus. If there are signs of these emergency alerts, call 911 or go to the hospital immediately.

• Continuous pain and chest compressions.

• Cannot respond to others.

If you go to the hospital, call ahead and let them know that you are coming to the medical team so you can be ready.

Pregnant women diagnosed with COVID-19 should follow the advice of the CDC and its OB / GYN. Most people have mild symptoms and can recover at home.

CDC currently recommends the following:

• Stay at home, except to get medical care and avoid public transport.

• Call your doctor before going to the clinic. If you think it is an emergency, seek medical attention immediately.

• Isolate yourself from others in the house.

• At home, if you are around others, wear a cloth surface cover.

If you have any questions or concerns about COVID-19, consult your doctor as usual.

CDC has its own website where you can find the most accurate updates on COVID-19 and pregnancy / breastfeeding. Visit coronavirus.gov.