Yahoo News How does coronavirus affect pregnancy and what guidelines are in place for mums-to-be?
The UK’s prime minister Boris Johnson announced this morning that he has tested positive for covid-19 and is experiencing ‘mild’ symptoms. But what does this mean for his pregnant fiancée, Carrie Symonds?
While the PM has confirmed he has gone into self-isolation, Symonds, who is approximately five months pregnant, has reportedly been self-isolating since the government listed pregnant women as ‘vulnerable’ on March 16.
According to advice published this week by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), pregnant women do not appear to be more severely affected by the symptoms of coronavirus than other healthy adults.
The advice continues: “It is expected the large majority of pregnant women will experience only mild or moderate cold/flu like symptoms.
“More severe symptoms such as pneumonia appear to be more common in older people, those with weakened immune systems or long-term conditions. As yet, there is no evidence that pregnant women who get this infection are more at risk of serious complications than any other healthy individuals.”
For pregnant women experiencing covid-19 symptoms (such as a high temperature or a new, continuous cough) that are worsening or not getting better, its advice remains that you should contact your maternity care team or use the NHS 111 online service for further information.
Can coronavirus affect my unborn baby?
RCOG - which has released this advice in partnership with the Royal College of Midwives and Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, with input from various health associations - says there is no evidence to suggest an increased risk of miscarriage.
It continues: “Expert opinion is that the baby is unlikely to be exposed during pregnancy. It is also therefore considered unlikely that if you have the virus it would cause problems with the baby’s development, and none have been observed currently.”
RCOG adds that it’s conducting ‘near-real-time surveillance’ of all pregnant women in the UK who develop covid-19 during pregnancy and their newborn babies and will update its findings in due course.
Why are pregnant women classified as ‘vulnerable’?
Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty classified pregnant women as ‘vulnerable’ on March 16, which meant pregnant women were advised to reduce social contact and practice social distancing measures.
RCOG says: “Based on the evidence we have so far, pregnant women are still no more likely to contract coronavirus than the general population. What we do know is that pregnancy in a small proportion of women can alter how your body handles severe viral infections. This is something that midwives and obstetricians have known for many years and are used to dealing with. As yet, there is no evidence that pregnant women who get this infection are more at risk of serious complications than any other healthy individuals.”
Does the advice change when I reach the third trimester?
If you have reached the third trimester (more than 28 weeks pregnant), the RCOG recommends being ‘particularly attentive to social distancing and minimising contact with others’.
It continues: “If you are in your third trimester you should work from home where possible, avoid contact with anyone with symptoms of coronavirus, and significantly reduce unnecessary social contact.”
What can I do if I’m pregnant and a key worker?
RCOG says: “NHS Employers should do everything possible to maintain the health of their pregnant employees. The central aspect of this protection is based on risk assessment of each individual pregnant worker’s working environment and the role they play.
“In light of the limited evidence, pregnant women of any gestation should be offered the choice of whether to work in direct patient-facing roles during the COVID-19 pandemic. This choice should be respected and supported by their employers. Suitable alternative duties might include remote triage, telephone consultations, governance or administrative roles.”
What do I do if I’m pregnant and test positive for coronavirus?
The RCOG says to contact your midwife and antenatal team to make them aware of the diagnosis. If you present no symptoms or mild symptoms, you will be advised to recover at home. If you have more severe symptoms, you may be advised to go to hospital.
What happens if I am self-isolating with coronavirus and go into labour?
The RCOG says if you go into labour, firstly call your maternity team for advice and let them know that you have a suspected or confirmed coronavirus infection.
It adds: “If you have mild symptoms, you will be encouraged to remain at home (self-isolating) in early labour, as per standard practice. Your maternity team have been advised on ways to ensure that you and your baby receive safe, quality care, respecting your birth choices as closely as possible.”
When your maternity team decides you need to attend the maternity unit, you will be advised to take private transport where possible and will be met at the maternity unit entrance with a surgical facemask that will need to stay on until you are isolated in a suitable room.
If it hasn’t already been, coronavirus testing will be arranged and your birth partner will be able to stay with you throughout, but visitors should be kept to a minimum.
If I have suspected or confirmed coronavirus, can I still do skin-to-skin with my baby?
Ultimately, this is up to you. If you decide to, there may be the risk of passing on the virus through airborne droplets.
The RCOG says reports from China saw mothers being advised to stay away from their newborns. “There are some reports from China which suggest women with confirmed coronavirus have been advised to separate from their baby for 14 days. However, this may have potential negative effects on feeding and bonding.”
Can I breastfeed my baby if I have coronavirus?
The RCOG says there is ‘no evidence’ that the virus can be carried in breast milk so you should continue to breastfeed where possible.
It adds: “The well-recognised benefits of breastfeeding outweigh any potential risks of transmission of coronavirus through breastmilk. The main risk of breastfeeding is close contact between you and your baby, as you may share infective airborne droplets, leading to infection of the baby after birth.
“A discussion about the risks and benefits of breastfeeding should take place between you and your family and your maternity team.”
Should I attend my antenatal appointments?
Attending antenatal appointments is important for ensuring the wellbeing of you and your baby. The RCOG says: “If you are well, you should attend your antenatal care as normal. If you have symptoms of possible coronavirus infection, you should contact your community midwife to postpone routine visits until after the isolation period is over.
“At this time, it is particularly important that you help your maternity team take care of you. If you have had an appointment cancelled or delayed, and are not sure of your next contact with your maternity team, please let them know by using the contact numbers provided to you at booking.”
What is WHO’s official advice for pregnant women?
The World Health Organisation says that due to changes in a woman’s body and immune system during pregnancy, women can be ‘badly’ affected by some respiratory infections.
WHO continues: “It is therefore important that they take precautions to protect themselves against covid-19, and report possible symptoms (including fever, cough or difficulty breathing) to their healthcare provider.”
The official advice for pregnant women to prevent catching coronavirus is the same for the general population: wash your hands frequently; avoid crowded spaces and keep a distance between yourself and others when in public; avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth; and practice respiratory hygiene.
WHO also recommends that pregnant women with symptoms of covid-19 should be prioritised for testing as they may need specialist care.
It advises all new mothers to still attend their routine care appointments at their local hospital or clinic
