This Is How Can Pregnant Women Stay Away From Coronavirus

Dr. Surabhi Siddhartha, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital Kharghar  

by Priya Jadhav

It is no brainer that pregnant women tend to experience immunologic and physiologic changes which might make them more susceptible to viral respiratory infections, including COVID-19. Here, we brief you about the precautions that should be taken by them.

Coronaviruses (COV) can be described as a large family of viruses leading to illness ranging from the common cold to severe diseases like Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that hasn’t been previously identified in humans. The COVID-19 viral disease from China, now, has rapidly spread to more than 121,000 people from Asia, to Europe, the Middle East and now in parts of the United States.

How is this virus transmitted?

Coronaviruses are transmitted between animals and humans.

Know about the symptoms of it

One may notice exhibit symptoms such as fever, cough, and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, one may also get pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death. It is the need of the hour to get immediate medical attention.

Who can get affected by coronavirus?

Anyone irrespective of their age can get affected by a coronavirus. Even pregnant women are at risk of suffering from it. Hence, if you are pregnant you shouldn’t panic, instead, take precautions to prevent yourself from it.

What pregnant women should keep in mind?

Someone who’s pregnant is at an increased risk of suffering from viral respiratory infections such as the flu and can impact their health severely. This is so because; pregnant people tend to have weaker immunity and this can make them more susceptible to viral infections. Not only this, but pregnant women may also suffer from severe illness, morbidity and mortality compared to others. They have chances of getting other related coronavirus infections (including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV)) and other viral respiratory infections, such as influenza, during pregnancy.

Currently, there is no evidence that suggests that pregnant women are at the risk of miscarriage or even of the virus passing to the developing baby while the mother is pregnant, the research is still going on. Thus, pregnant women should take precautions in order to keep coronavirus away. Also, avoid traveling, if you are pregnant. Thus, if you are pregnant and you feel sick then consult your doctor as your baby may also be vulnerable to coronavirus.

Follow these vital preventive measures

·         Clean your hands often: Wash your hands often with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer

·         Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

·         Avoid close contact: Do not go to crowded places. Avoid close contact with people who are sick

·         Stay at him if you are sick

·         Cover your mouth while coughing and sneezing or wear a face mask

·         Throw used tissues in the trash bin and wash your hands with soap

·         Clean and disinfect frequently touch surfaces: Do not keep tables, doorknobs, light switches, mobile phone, handles, countertops, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and desks dirty

·         Wash hands after touching surfaces in public places

·         Do not touch your face frequently