Pregnancy And Covid-19: What You Should Know, According To A Gynaecologist
There's no need to panic or worry. Instead, err on the side of caution by taking extra precautions
For expectant mothers during the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic, there could be a mixture of fear, elation, stress and sadness all wrapped up in your emotions.
There have already been cases of some infants and toddlers contracting Covid-19 coronavirus from their infected mothers. Sadly, there’s also been news of a baby under the age of one succumbing to the disease as well. Meanwhile, data on whether pregnant women have more or less severe reactions to the new coronavirus are unclear.
There are still so many unanswered questions about being pregnant during the pandemic. Dr Christopher Chong, obstetrician and gynaecologist at Gleneagles Hospital, tries to quell some of those fears by tackling our most pressing questions:
Yes in a way, but not to the extent of panicking about pregnancy and the coronavirus. Everyone should be vigilant and responsible. This is especially when pregnancy is a state of slightly lowered resistance. They should not be overly worried but will just need to take general and logical precautions and behave responsibly. There should not be fears about visiting the hospital for follow-up or delivery.
If I get infected with Covid-19 while pregnant, what are the implications for my baby?
Some recent studies have shown that it will not directly affect the foetus, but there are not enough studies and experience to be totally sure. If the foetus gets infected, the possibilities include premature labour, poor growth of the organs and failure to thrive after delivery. Hence a pregnant woman will still need to take the general precautions advised. If an affected baby is delivered, the child will be managed the same way as any infected child or adult.
A guide to safe pregnancy and delivery during the pandemic was launched in December 2020, by the Academy of Medicine Singapore, College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Singapore, as well as the Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Singapore. The Straits Times noted that their findings included that there is a small chance of Covid-19 infection passing from the mother to the baby in the womb or upon birth through vertical transmission.
In the event of transmission, most infected babies recover well. None of the babies born to mothers with Covid-19 in Singapore has been infected.
Yes – A pregnant woman can have the same outcome as a non-pregnant person. And in fact, the complications can be more severe as a pregnant woman’s resistance is lowered.
The Straits Times reported that an infected mother can have no symptoms or has very mild symptoms. More serious symptoms include shortness of breath, high fever and confusion.
If a mother becomes very unwell, there is a possibility that the illness may cause a miscarriage or premature labour.
In such a situation, doctors may recommend for the baby to be delivered as this may help the mother's heart and lungs.
These possible complications are why pregnant women with serious infections or illnesses need to be admitted for observation to ensure prompt treatment and expert intervention.
There is no evidence of increased stillbirth, neonatal death or a higher risk of babies developing abnormalities among women with Covid-19. There is also insufficient evidence about the risk of miscarriage or growth restriction of the foetus.
What extra precautions should pregnant women take to prevent catching the Covid-19 virus?
As above – take general precautions to improve one’s immunity. Have enough sleep and rest, a balanced diet, exercise, take supplements/vitamins. Avoid crowded areas and put on a mask when you head out.
It should also be noted that pregnant women can and should take the Covid-19 vaccination. In a Straits Times article from June, Professor Tan Hak Koon from KK Women's and Children's Hospital noted that data from nearly 4,000 pregnant women in the United States showed there was no greater risk of miscarriage, foetal anomaly or pre-term labour. It is also safe for breastfeeding mums to get the vaccine and continue breastfeeding.
A version of this article first appeared in Young Parents. Additional reporting by Karen Fong.