Corona Virus (Covid19)
It is a viral disease that affects the respiratory system of a person, and is highly contagious. It is transmitted from person to person through coughing or sneezing or by coming into contact with the surrounding surfaces on an infected person. It does not pose a threat to the life of a person who is in good health, except for the elderly and those with chronic or pre-existing diseases such as diabetes, cancer, lung disease and immunodeficiency.
Changes of a pregnant woman getting infected by the virus is similar to any other person.
Symptoms that may appear in the event of infection are:
- Signs of transpiration
- Cough
- heat
- breathing difficulties
Pregnancy and corona virus: –
So far, there are no studies that prove that the Corona virus affects pregnant mothers more than other individuals in the society, unless the pregnant mother suffers from health complications.
Also, there are no studies that show that the virus is transmitted from the mother to the fetus through the placenta, as the cases in which the placenta was examined immediately after birth were negative.
Pregnancy in itself does not increase the risk of the mother being infected with this virus. The samples taken for examination from the umbilical cord, the amniotic fluid and the mother’s milk were all negative, and so far, no evidence has emerged that the fetus can get infected from the fluids of its mother.
To avoid infection, the pregnant mother is advised to:
-Use a mask (use the inside of the elbow to cover the mouth while coughing).
-Avoid contact with people suspected of being infected
-Frequently wash hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol-free sterilizer.
If the mother has come in contact with an infected person or people suspected of being infected, the following is recommended:
-The mother should isolate herself in her home and avoid contact with others.
-Not using public transportation.
-Not receiving visitors.
-Ventilate the house and open windows daily.
-Mothers to use separate utensils, and to ensure that others do not use their utensils.
-Contact the health care provider or the specialist doctor and inform him/her of her condition and regularly follow up.
Breastfeeding and Corona virus: –
As for breastfeeding, the presence of the virus has not been established in breast milk, and one of the most important benefits of breastfeeding is the formation of antibodies to any infection that affects the mother. The breast milk transmits these antibodies to the child and provides him/her with protection before the infection occurs.
As a precautionary measures, in the event, that the nursing mother is infected or suspected of infection, and in order to protect her child, the following advice is recommended: –
-The mother wears a muzzle while breastfeeding her child.
-To sterilize her hands and parts of her body that can touch her baby, as well as the breasts, before breastfeeding her baby.
-To wash her hands before the baby’s bath, and also before using any of her baby’s tools.
-Sterilize the milk suction device before using it.
– Sterilize the baby’s bottle, artificial nipples, or any tools that she uses to breastfeed her baby prior to using it.