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Picture courtesy by: Artem Podrez: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-close-up-view-of-a-covid-19-vaccine-vial-on-blue-background-5878503/
Covid pandemic has taken over our lives in the last 2 and a half years. Although our lives are almost back to normal, new variants continue to bring waves of infection and with it the anxiety rises as well. On a positive note, we understand the disease much better than when we started our long journey, we have the preventive vaccine and supportive treatment. Although an antiviral is still elusive, the outcome of infection is much more positive, and the much feared death is not common. What ever said, pregnancy is that special phase in life where some think twice before even lifting a finger!! (metaphorically of course).. while that would be extreme, covid is a genuine worry and anxiety. Although risk for pregnant women with covid is slightly higher than non-pregnant, it is still very low as most pregnant women are young and fit. Hence their immunity in general is good.
What if I test positive for covid?
There is no need to panic. Just ensure you follow the routine precautions- drink lots of fluids, take regular Paracetamol, and isolate yourself if you have elderly at home.
Monitor your temperature and oxygen levels using pulse oximeter. See a doctor in emergency- they may advise you on symptom specific medications for cough, cold and congestion. These are safe in pregnancy.
Steam inhalation and menthol balms help congestion. Natural remedies such as honey/lemon tea, salt water gargle, ginger based drinks also help.
Speak to your obstetrician- most units now have telemedicine available.
So how do I take care of pregnancy in the covid era?
1. Ensure the precautions as it applies to every one of us- wear a mask, sanitize hands, ensure social distancing and avoid crowded places if you can help.
2. Vaccinate – Covid 19 vaccine, like many other vaccines has been found to be safe in pregnancy for both mother and baby. While we assume that most women would have been vaccinated by now, if for any reason you have not, please get the vaccine. The side effects from vaccine to pregnant women and babies is much less and mild than the effects of covid infection itself.
What is the impact on fetus?
Most babies do well and do not need any special interventions other than standard precautions. There is a very small increased risk of preterm birth and these babies and those who get infected may need to be monitored in NICU. This is not very common though.
When do I go to hospital?
Go to emergency if you experience severe cough with or without blood, shortness of breath, chest pain, high fever, dropping oxygen saturations. Also do so, if you feel very unwell in whatever way.
This also applies if you have bleeding, head ache or reduced movements of the baby.
What if I go into labour?
All obstetric units will have procedures and measures in place to take care of women in labour. Your labour care will exactly be the same as it will be if you are not infected. Only difference will be that your doctors and midwives will don extra preventive gear- such as gowns and caps (masks and gloves are standard equipment used in all circumstances).
Where will my baby be taken care of?
Baby may be isolated to prevent infection- however you can still express your milk which can be fed to baby using bottle.
Breast feeding does not pass the virus on to baby. If at all any, baby gets antibodies and immunity.
If you are home and then test positive, it is still ok to take care of the baby if you have mild symptoms- wear a mask, wash hands before picking the baby up, or handling baby stuff like milk bottles/nappies etc. Get help if you are unable to handle on your own.
Your obstetricians, physicians and midwives are there to take care of you and your baby. Do not feel alone in the tough and anxious journey of covid in pregnancy if you are forced to embark on it.
Speak to your doctor!
Dr. Smitha Raghavan
Consultant Gynaecologist & Obstetrician
#PregnancySafety #Covid19Awareness #HealthJourney #doctor #smitharaghavan #dubaidoctor #gyanecologistindubai #indiandoctorindubai
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