Chennai: The pandemic continues to be a stressful time to almost every section of the society, but the first few months had been even more painful for expecting mothers as both doctors and patients were unsure on how and if it would affect the mother and fetus.
The procedures still leave unanswered questions and confusion over pregnancies, fertility treatments and the safety guidelines.
For those who are contemplating starting a family, endoscopic surgeon and fertility specialist Dr Mala Raj clears the air and lays out the facts about pregnancies, child deliveries and fertility treatments. Excerpts from an interview with her.
Q: According to the CDC, ‘pregnant people might be at an increased risk for severe illness from Covid-19 compared to non-pregnant people. Additionally, pregnant people with Covid-19 may be at increased risk for other adverse outcomes, such as preterm birth’, Does this mean that it is not advisable to plan a baby during the pandemic?
A: Pregnant women are in an immuno-compromised state. Hence, fertility treatments were put on a hold in the early stages. But, if women achieve pregnancy naturally then they can continue it. The chances of miscarriage on premature birth do not increase. Currently, there is no evidence that suggests any links to miscarriages and coronavirus.
Q: Why are expecting mothers not taken in for Covid-19 vaccine trials?
A: Pregnant women are not included in the vaccine trial due to safety reasons. More so, in pregnancy the immunity is compromised and people are prone to infection.
Q: There are questions about the safety of a child in the womb, in case the mother gets infected. Can you clear some facts and myths about it?
A: At present, direct mother to child transmission from a mother’s blood has not been identified. It is not found in cord blood or in the placenta. There is no need for any tests (including amniocentesis) to find fetal infection. After delivery, the mother may breastfeed the baby after taking proper hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene precautions including wearing a mask.
Q: At hospitals and clinics, how is safety of pregnant mothers and doctors ensured? Are Covid tests taken regularly?
A: At hospitals, the healthcare provider wears disposable cap, N95 masks, latex gloves while performing deliveries or procedures. Full PPE kits with body covering suit and ideal respiratory protective devices are required. If patients are symptomatic we perform a Covid-19 test. But it is mandatory to perform the test two days prior to delivery.
Q: There is worry in the minds of expectant mothers or those undergoing fertility treatment living in containment zones if doctors will be hesitant in treating them. Can you give your thoughts on this?
A: Doctors put the safety of the patients first and treat them taking all necessary precautions.
Q: What kind of counselling is being given to mothers preparing for baby delivery?
A: Counselling plays a very major role, as couples are always very anxious that they may contact the infection and that the baby would get affected. We reassure the women on safety and advice them to avoid close contact with suspected cases and that we can handle it thoroughly if they get the infection.
Q: Do you advice women to go in for fertility treatment at this point of time, especially involving IVF and IUI procedures? Is it risky during a pandemic?
A: We are advising women to go ahead with fertility treatment.
Q: What happens if a patient gets infected from Covid-19 during the fertility treatment?
A: Treatment depends on what period of gestation she contracted the infection. If it is in the mid trimester, she has enough time to recover. But if she develops the infection at a later date then we have to deliver her if she comes in labor or if she develops fetal distress.