Effect of COVID-19 on Pregnancy
- Pregnant women do not appear more likely to contract the infection than the general population. However, pregnancy itself alters the body’s immune system and response to viral infections in general, which can occasionally be related to more severe symptoms and this will be the same for COVID-19.
- Reported cases of COVID-19 pneumonia in pregnancy are milder and with good recovery. · In other types of coronavirus infection (SARS, MERS), the risks to the mother appear to increase in particular during the last trimester of pregnancy. There are case reports of preterm birth in women with COVID-19 but it is unclear whether the preterm birth was always iatrogenic, or whether some were spontaneous.
- Pregnant women with heart disease are at highest risk (congenital or acquired).
- The coronavirus epidemic increases the risk of perinatal anxiety and depression, as well as domestic violence. It is critically important that support for women and families is strengthened as far as possible; that women are asked about mental health at every contact
Transmission
- With regard to vertical transmission (transmission from mother to baby antenatally or intrapartum), emerging evidence now suggests that vertical transmission is probable, although the proportion of pregnancies affected and the significance to the neonate has yet to be determined.
- At present, there are no recorded cases of vaginal secretions being tested positive for COVID-19.
- At present, there are no recorded cases of breast milk being tested positive for COVID-19.
Effect on Feotus
- There are currently no data suggesting an increased risk of miscarriage or early pregnancy loss in relation to COVID-19.
- There is no evidence currently that the virus is teratogenic. Long term data is awaited.
- COVID-19 infection is currently not an indication for Medical Termination of Pregnancy.
We Wish You a Happy & Safe Pregnancy!
Source : ICMR
