COVID 19: Impact on Pregnancy, Birthing, & Breastfeeding

Our world is revolving around these words for a few months. Rapidly spreading Corona Virus infection worldwide is taking a toll on people affecting the physical, emotional, economical aspects of their lives.
At Ova Fertility and Women Care (Fertility Clinic in Thane), we are well equipped to protect our patients and our staff from this pandemic. We are serving our patients in this difficult time providing all emergency services 24×7 including ultrasound testing. It is very important to know a few things about COVID-19.

What is Coronavirus Disease? What are the symptoms?

It is a viral disease with symptoms ranging from flu and the common cold to severe respiratory distress. It is a highly infectious disease. Its various symptoms can be sore throat, cough, fever, weakness, fatigue, difficulty in breathing, etc.

How does Coronavirus Disease spread?

The spread of the disease is by

• the droplets of cough or sneeze of an infected person.
• the close contact of the infected person (within one meter, shake hand or hug).
• getting in touch with infected surfaces and touching nose or eyes.

The incubation period for COVID-19 is 3 to 7 days but can be as long as 2 weeks from infection to symptoms.

What are the impacts of Coronavirus Disease on Fertility?

As per the literature available to date, the Coronavirus does not affect the eggs or sperms directly.
In infected males, sperm quality can be transiently affected due to high grade fever.
This pandemic does have a psychological impact on infertile couples including feelings of panic, hopelessness, fear, uncertainty.
Our team (including Fertility Specialist, Embryologist, Counselors, and Nurses) is constantly working for the emotional and psychological well being of these couples with easy accessibility like telephonic support at Ova Fertility and Women Care (Fertility Clinic in Thane).

What are the impacts of Coronavirus Disease on Pregnancy and Birthing?

• Based on available evidence to date, pregnant women have the same risk of getting Coronavirus infection like that of non pregnant adult women. But the pregnant women are in the “vulnerable group” as in pregnancy some viral infections are worse and due to body changes, there is an increased risk of some infections.
• There is no known risk of miscarriages or abnormalities in the baby.
• There may be a risk of severe illness due to the virus and premature delivery had resulted in few infected pregnant women.
• During the delivery of infected mothers, isolation is provided and universal precautions are taken care of to limit the spread of the disease.

Does the Coronavirus Disease show Mother to Child Transmission?

• During pregnancy, there is no mother to child transmission has been reported.
• Few newborns have tested positive after the birth but the spread is mostly thought to be person to person after delivery.
• The virus has not been found in amniotic fluid (liquor), cord blood or breast milk.

What are the insights about Breastfeeding?

• As breast milk is protective against many illnesses in newborns and per se Coronavirus has not been found in breast milk; breastfeeding can be continued by COVID-19 infected mother.
• But it is mandatory to take precautions to avoid person to person spread to the baby. Expressed breast milk can also be used.

What are the precautions to be taken to avoid the spread of COVID-19?

Following things to be followed by pregnant women, their families, infertile couples and also by the general public:

• Regular hand washing using soap and water or using hand-sanitizing gel.
• Using tissue while coughing or sneezing followed by discarding it and hand washing.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
• Maintaining social distancing (the distance of 1 meter).
• Avoid contact with someone with suspected symptoms of COVID-19 like high grade fever, cough or breathing problems.
• Avoid travel, social gatherings and follow lockdown rules.
• Be in touch with your doctor as far as possible by telephone or online.
• Attend your necessary antenatal visits or sonography appointments with proper above mentioned precautions and with the advice of your doctor.

Stay informed and follow the advice given by national and local public health authorities to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Stay Safe….