Social distancing, quarantine, staying home indefinitely, all these recommendations are placing pregnant women and mothers with newborns in a particularly tough spot at the moment.
If women and mothers have concerns about the potential risks and the what to do in case they are unable to attend their routine antenatal or postnatal appointments, Zohra Kurji, certified lactation consultant*, and Marina Baig, head of the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health clinical stream at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, have advice.
I am pregnant and so am I at an increased risk of catching COVID-19?
At present there is no evidence that pregnant women are at higher risk of acquiring COVID-19 than most people. However, due to changes in your body during pregnancy, it is important that you take precautions to protect yourself.
What should I do to protect myself against COVID-19 during my pregnancy?
You are advised to take the same precautionary measures as other people. These include:
- Washing your hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
- Keeping a distance between yourselves and others.
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Practicing respiratory hygiene by covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. You should then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
- Avoiding contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of COVID–19 including a high temperature and/or a new and continuous cough.
- Avoiding going out of your home and using public transport, as far as possible.
- Working from home, when possible.
- Avoiding large and small gatherings anywhere in public spaces.
- Avoiding gatherings with friends and family.
- Using a telephone or online services to contact your doctor or other essential service providers.
Should I be tested for COVID-19?
No, only if you show symptoms of COVID-19 should you be tested. These symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath and chest pain.
I am pregnant and my job requires me to step out of the house. Can I still go to work?
All pregnant women are recommended to minimise social contact as a precautionary measure against COVID-19.
If you are in your first or second trimester (less than 28 weeks pregnant), with no underlying health conditions, you can continue to work in a public-facing role, provided that you practice social distancing and take the necessary precautions.
If you are in your third trimester (more than 28 weeks OR 7 months pregnant), or have an underlying health condition – such as heart or lung disease – you should work from home where possible.
What should I do if I develop symptoms of COVID-19 or my test is positive for coronavirus?
You should contact your doctor or midwife to make them aware of your condition and test results. If you have no symptoms, or mild symptoms, you will be advised to self-isolate for 14 days and recover at home. It is likely that your routine antenatal appointments will be delayed until isolation ends. If you have more severe symptoms, you should visit a hospital and be treated in a hospital setting.
Should I attend my antenatal/postnatal appointments?
If you are well, you should attend your antenatal/postnatal appointments as normal. If you have symptoms of possible coronavirus infection, you should avoid attending the routine clinic and contact your doctor/midwife or a COVID-19 helpline for further guidance.
Do pregnant women with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 need to give birth by caesarean section?
No. According to the World Health Organization, caesarean sections should only be performed when medically justified. There is currently no evidence to suggest you cannot give birth vaginally or that you would be safer having a caesarean birth if you have suspected or confirmed coronavirus.
Can the coronavirus be passed to my unborn or newborn baby?
To date, there is no strong evidence to suggest that COVID-19 can be passed from a woman to her unborn or newborn baby or that it leads to an increased risk of miscarriage or preterm birth.
Is it safe to breastfeed my baby if I am tested positive for COVID-19?
Yes. Women with COVID-19 can breastfeed if they wish to do so. If you choose to breastfeed your baby, the following precautions are recommended:
- Wash your hands before touching your baby, breast pump or bottles.
- Try to avoid coughing or sneezing on your baby while breastfeeding.
- Consider wearing a face mask while breastfeeding, where available.
- Consider asking someone who is well to feed your expressed breast milk to your baby.
- Routinely clean and disinfect surfaces you have touched.
Can I touch and hold my newborn baby if I have COVID-19?
Yes. Close contact and early, exclusive breastfeeding help a baby grow well. You are encouraged to:
- Breastfeed safely, with good respiratory hygiene.
- Hold your newborn skin to skin (close to your body).
- Share a room with your baby.
- Wash your hands before and after touching your baby, and keep all surfaces clean.
Will my baby be tested for COVID-19?
Yes, if you have suspected or confirmed COVID–19 at the time your baby is born, your baby will be tested for coronavirus.
I am very anxious about COVID-19. What should I do?
It is normal to be anxious about the ongoing pandemic. We encourage you to use this time to rest and eat well. During pregnancy, it is important for you to maintain your physical and emotional health and thus, stay engaged in interests and hobbies as much as possible.
We strongly advise you to get in touch with your doctor or midwife and seek medical advice if you are concerned. If you wish to speak to our healthcare experts, you may call at our dedicated helpline: 021 111 911 911.
WATCH: Precautions for pregnant women and nursing mothers
* Certified by the US-based International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners
Additional information:
WHO - Q&A on COVID-19, pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding,
UNICEF - Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): What parents should know