Coronavirus and pregnancy. What you need to know.

 

Unfortunately, the coronavirus or covid-19 is already among us. And I am not only a mother of 2 children, but I also work in the medical field, primarily with pregnant women. The impact of this pandemic on health and the world economy is still difficult to predict, but what I do know is that for many of us the concern and uncertainty continue to grow. I decided to make a post on this topic to give you a little peace of mind. And a few life-changing tips to deal with all this growing concern whether you are pregnant, or you are a mother like me. So in this post you’ll find important information about Coronavirus and pregnancy. What you need to know.

Disclaimer: Due to the changing situation, this post will be updated periodically. Most of the information in this post is already verified, however, some things may change as the pandemic develops. For the most accurate information visit this link.

Let’s be real. Very little is still known about this new strain of coronavirus by the scientific community. But here, I am going to give you important information about Covid-19 and pregnancy.

At this time, unfortunately, there are no reports or scientific studies that demonstrate or corroborate this information. But based on what is known until today, there are some general safety measures for the pregnant and non-pregnant women that must be followed to avoid the contagion with the coronavirus and other viruses. Ready? Let’s begin.

Coronavirus and pregnancy. Here is what you need to know.

What is exactly coronavirus or COVID-19?

Corona virus are a group of viruses that can cause a wide variety of symptoms including a runny nose, cough, sore throat and fever. Some of them are mild, such as the common cold that we all have occasionally. However, others are more likely to lead to pneumonia. They’re usually spread through direct contact with an infected person or being in contact with a contaminated surface.

The coronavirus gets its name from the crown-like spikes on its surface. According to the CDC. (Corona is Latin for a crown.) Including the newly identified form of the virus. There are a total of seven corona virus that can infect humans, the CDC says. Other well-known corona virus include SARS and MERS.

The new virus causes a disease called COVID-19, which is a new strain of this type of viruses, for which the human body still doesn’t have immunity and there are no cure or vaccines as of today.

Who is at higher risk?

All patients that meet these criteria are considered at higher risk of getting infected and suffer the worse of the disease.

• Older patients.
• Underlying medical pre-existent conditions such as Blood disorders, Cancer, Liver disease, Diabetes, Asthma, Immune-compromised, Heart disease, Going under cancer treatments, Kidney disease, Taking blood thinners, etc.
• And Pregnant Women.

Why are pregnant women among the most vulnerable group of people affected if you are pregnant?

Here is what you need to know about the immune system during pregnancy.

The immunological response during pregnancy is varied. It was previously believed that the immune system during pregnancy was for the most part weak. But recent studies have shown that this is not the case. And that in the different trimester of pregnancy the immune system must work in different ways to allow the normal development of pregnancy and the formation of the fetus.

How is the normal response of the immune system during pregnancy:

During the first trimester and especially in the period of implantation of an egg, the immune system must be effective and strong enough to cause a slight inflammation in the uterine cavity. This exacerbated response of the immune system will last for approximately 12 weeks (the first trimester) until the pregnancy is fully established.

Around 15 weeks. The mother’s immune system is suppressed to allow the fetal cells to grow and develop. It is important to emphasize that many of these cells have antigens with genetic information from the father. So this natural process will allow you to keeps your baby safe by stopping your body from thinking it is some foreign alien and going into attacking mode.

Thankfully a woman’s immune system kicks back full force near delivery. This produces an inflammation that helps with your body’s labor response during the lasts days.

Therefore, during trimesters 1 and 3, the response of the maternal immune system may be able to fight germs and viruses. It is during the second trimester that the mother’s immune system is compromised and weakened. Making a pregnant woman more likely to contract viruses and become ill during this time. This applies not only for coronavirus, but also for colds, flu, food poisoning, and urinary tract infections.

 

Here you have answers to the most common questions you might have if you are pregnant about Covid-19.

1. Risks for severe illness or mortality due to COVID-19 are higher in pregnant women compared to other patients?

Pregnant women go through immunological and physiological changes during pregnancy, this makes them prone to illness, and may put them at increased risk of developing viral respiratory infections. therefore pregnant women and especially during the second trimester may be at greater risk of suffering severe illness and mortality due to the coronavirus infection.

2. What are the risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes due to coronavirus infection?

There are no scientific studies that clarify if this risk exists with covid-19, but previously, in cases of previous infections with other types of coronavirus such as SARS-COV and MERS-CoV, high risk was observed for miscarriage and stillbirth. In addition, one of the characteristic symptoms of COVID-19 is high fever, a symptom that if it occurs during the first trimester can increase the risks of some types of birth defects.

3. Can a pregnant woman transmit the coronavirus during childbirth?

Until now it is known that the mode of propagation of COVID-19 is through direct contact with an infected person, or through touching a surface that is infected. The vertical transmission through delivery has not been verified until today. In addition, the coronavirus has not been found in samples of amniotic fluid or breast milk. Therefore, from a mother who is infected with the coronavirus, she will not infect the baby through childbirth, but only after delivery if she does not follow strict safety measures to minimize the spread of the virus to the baby.

4. Can my baby get infected with the virus through breastfeeding?

Until now it has not been possible to verify that the breast milk of an infected mother contains the virus, therefore the risk of contracting the virus through breast milk, although still uncertain, is very small. However, the spread of the coronavirus could occur through close physical contact between an infected mother and her baby.

5. When should I contact the doctor?

If you are experiencing one of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor right away. 

• Fever greater than 102 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Cough that is accompanied by wheezing, or chest pain.
• A cough that produced discolored mucus.
• Unable to sleep, or loss of appetite for more than a few days.

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How to avoid getting sick in general during pregnancy with coronavirus or any other virus?

Next, I am going to give you some general tips to avoid getting infections during pregnancy, these tips are not only good to avoid the contagion with the coronavirus, but also to avoid common colds, flu, among others.

• Keep up with vaccination: Start even before you get pregnant, make sure that you are up-to-date with all your vaccinations. And during pregnancy be sure to get the flu vaccine during the flu season and also reactivate the Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis), this last vaccine, not only will protect you from contracting the disease, but you will pass the antibodies through breastfeeding your baby.
• Eat a balanced diet: A balanced and healthy diet will provide you with many benefits, including keeping your immune system strong. A diet rich in Vitamin C and vitamin B6 can boost your immune system in a natural way. Foods rich in vitamins C and B6 include green vegetables and chickpeas.
• Don’t forget your prenatal vitamins: Prenatal vitamins supply your body in case nutritional deficiencies occur. Therefore, the intake of prenatal vitamins is equally important.
• Take important precautions: Not only for coronavirus but also for a wide variety of viruses and germs, the main method of propagation is direct contact with infected people or touching surfaces that are contaminated with the virus. Therefore, basic precautions like washing your hands with plenty of water and antibacterial soap for at least 20 seconds, not sharing utensils with other people, and keeping your distance from people who are sick can drastically reduce your risk of getting an infection.
• Seek medical attention if you get sick: If you get sick, contact your doctor immediately. In the case of the new COVID-19 or coronavirus, many medical offices are taking preventive measures to prevent the spread from patient to patient. A phone call to the doctor may be enough to guide you in what is the next step you should take.
• Proper rest: One of the things that can negatively affect the immune system is being sleep deprived. Make sure that you are resting properly.

How to protect yourself from the COVID-19?

The CDC is recommending: 

• The most important measurements are this point is washing your hands really well. At least 30 seconds with warm water and soap before you eat, or after you sneeze, cough or use the restroom.
• Don’t touch your face without washing our hands first.
• Use hand sanitizer regularly to kill germs and viruses before spreading.
• Avoid contact with sick people, mainly with flu-like symptoms. And if you are the one sneezing and coughing, do it with a tissue, under your elbow, never to your hand or air, to avoid spreading particles.
• Clean regularly surfaces that you might be in contact with such as counters or your mobile device.
• Stay at home if you are sick.
• Avoid unnecessary travel, cruises, or large social gatherings.
• Follow your local authorities’ advice to avoid contagion.

Other posts from the blog:

The ugly truth about postpartum depression.

What to consider before choosing the perfect pediatrician for your baby.

Pregnancy symptoms for the third trimester.

How to boost your baby’s brain growth and development.

Final thoughts about Coronavirus and pregnancy. What you need to know.

As you can see this new strain of coronavirus or COVID-19 is taking over the world by storm. Mortality levels, although still very low, also cause alarm among high-risk patients. Pregnant women fall within that risk group.

If you are pregnant, my advice is to stay informed with the latest news reported by the CDC.  Avoid crowded places to avoid exposing yourself to the virus. Avoid traveling internationally at this time. And keep basic but very important hygiene rules to avoid contracting the disease.

Before I finish this post I’ll like to send a prayer to anyone that is sick. And say a big thanks to all those healthcare workers (me included) around the world for their hard work, for putting the vocation of taking care of others before taking care of themselves or their own families. I pray to God that a cure will be found soon.

If you have any questions, leave them in the comments.

Zadi, xo.

Disclaimer: The medical information on this post is for educational and entertainment use only. Under no circumstances, the information in this post is to replace your doctor’s advice or to treat any disease. For proper care always visit your doctor.