Pregnancy during COVID 19: All you need to know

Pregnant women have a higher risk of developing respiratory distress

On account of being immunocompromised, pregnant women are at a greater risk of developing illnesses that lead to respiratory distress. Among the more serious symptoms of the COVID-19 virus is difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath, and both require immediate medical care. As per Cynthia DeTata, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at the Stanford University School of Medicine, “…seasonal flu, and prior SARS and MERS infections were more severe in pregnant women.” While there is a lack of data to confirm the same when it comes to COVID-19, it is imperative for families to prioritise healthcare for expectant mothers during these times to mitigate any risk.

Symptomatic COVID-19 cases may be linked to those in the third trimester

As per analysis submitted by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), findings showed that expectant mothers with COVID-19 were more likely to need intensive care and were hospitalised with a ventilator. To add to that, another study conducted in the UK, under the UK Obstetric Surveillance System (UKOSS), found that a significant majority of the women that did become severely ill due to the coronavirus were found to be in their third trimester. Among the symptoms is a high fever, which can lead to birth defects, especially in the early stages of pregnancy. However, there isn’t any evidence yet that suggests that exposure to the virus during pregnancy will amount to defects in development.

COVID-19 pregnancies are at a higher risk of preterm births

As per data from hospitals and healthcare centres in northern Italy, hospitalised pregnant women could be at a higher risk for preterm or premature births and caesarean deliveries. Preterm birth is one that occurs before the 37th week of pregnancy. The preterm delivery rate was 12%, up from 7% in 2019. Similarly, the caesarean delivery rate was also up to 39% from 27% in 2019. While these numbers do not suggest an increase in miscarriages or congenital anomalies for expectant mothers who showed symptoms of the virus, it highlights the increase in preterm births.

Newborns can be infected by the virus and exhibit clinical signs of infection

In a case report analysing 33 pregnant women infected with the virus, findings showed that 3 of the newborns were also infected. These newborns exhibited respiratory distress symptoms, mainly shortness of breath. However, from the same report, other symptoms exhibited by the newborns included lethargy, fever, pneumonia and vomiting. For one of the babies, where the birth occurred after a 31-week gestation window due to fetal distress and maternal COVID-19 pneumonia, resuscitation was required.

Given that this virus is new, research is still being done and there is no finalised data on COVID-19 pregnancy issues. However, there are guidelines to follow that make managing pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic a lot easier. To know about these, read on.

Precautions to adhere to for a safe pregnancy during COVID-19 pandemic

• Maintain good personal hygiene, especially for your hand and face.
• Follow social distancing norms and stay at home as much as possible.
• Avoid those showing any symptoms of the virus.
• Get vaccinated for the flu to protect yourself against influenza.
• Stay alert to any respiratory symptoms you may begin to exhibit.
• Opt for virtual appointments or consultation via telemedicine. This is the safer route to get the care and medical advice until you absolutely must be present at a hospital.
• Stay away from large gatherings, even those that include family. Pregnant women are immunocompromised and at a greater risk of developing an illness.