There is no evidence that pregnant women are at increased risk of disease.
A woman breastfeeds her baby. Shutterstock
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended that women infected with the new coronavirus continue breastfeeding their babies but take extra hygiene measures, use masks and wash their hands before and after touching the child.
Although there is currently no evidence that pregnant women are at greater risk of severe coronavirus illness than the general population, the transformations their bodies and immune systems undergo are a risk factor for respiratory infections.
For this reason, the United Nations organization has stressed the importance of taking precautions to protect themselves against the disease caused by the new coronavirus, called Covid-19, and informing medical personnel about any symptoms.
Furthermore, the WHO has noted that there is no evidence that a woman can transmit the virus to her fetus or baby during childbirth and that, so far, the microorganism has not been detected in samples of amniotic fluid or breast milk.
Special attention
Therefore, she has emphasized that all pregnant women, even those suspected or confirmed to have Covid-19, have the right to receive high-quality care before, during, and after childbirth. This includes prenatal, neonatal, postnatal, intrapartum, and mental health care.
A safe and positive birth experience, as highlighted by the organization, involves being treated with respect and dignity, being accompanied by a person of your choice during childbirth, having clear communication from the maternity service staff, and having adequate pain relief strategies.
However, the WHO has pointed out that if a pregnant woman is suspected or confirmed to have coronavirus, health workers must take all appropriate precautions to reduce their risk of infection and that of others, including hand hygiene and the use of protective clothing such as gloves, gowns and medical masks.
Pregnant women should take the same precautions as the rest of the population to avoid Covid-19, such as washing their hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or with soap and water; maintaining physical distance from other people and avoiding crowded places; avoiding touching their eyes, nose and mouth; and practicing good respiratory hygiene.
Finally, the WHO has stated that pregnant women and those who have recently given birth, including those affected by COVID-19, should attend their routine medical appointments and not cancel them due to the pandemic. Furthermore, the organization has asked countries to prioritize testing pregnant women with symptoms for the virus and has reported that it will continue to review and update its information and guidance as more data becomes available.