Chennai: With an aim to create awareness for expecting mothers, experts have shared some handy safety tips for pregnant woman to follow in order to avoid being infected by the deadly virus.
According to WHO, current research shows that there is no evidence that pregnant women are at higher risk of contracting the coronavirus. However, pregnancy suppresses the immune system resulting in making expecting mothers more susceptible to respiratory infections. It is therefore vital that they take precautions to safeguard themselves against COVID-19, and report symptoms (including fever, cough or difficulty breathing) to their healthcare provider.
Generally, pregnant women are not seriously unwell than other healthy adults if they develop corona virus. Cough, fever, shortness of breath, headache and loss of sense of smell are other relevant symptoms. There is no increased risk of miscarriage. Emerging evidence suggests that transmission from a woman to her baby during pregnancy or birth (vertical transmission) is probable.
Dr Subhasini Asok, Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Manipal Hospitals Salem, said, “It is really important for pregnant women to continue to attend their scheduled routine care. In case of any symptoms one must postpone routine visits until after the isolation period is over. The risks of not attending antenatal care can be bad for both mother and the baby. Especially if there is a routine scan planned it must be done without fail. However, practicing safe hygiene protocols can reduce the risk of corona virus. Important tips include regular hand washing, use a tissue when you or anyone in your family coughs or sneezes discard this and wash your hands, avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus.”