COVID-19 and pregnant women
Like everyone else, I have spent the last few weeks watching and waiting as the coronavirus situation unfolds. Pregnancy is a time of heightened anxiety, especially when it comes to our health and the health of our unborn child. When you throw HG or NVP into the mix it’s understandable that your stress levels may be through the roof. There are a lot of factors at play here and SO MUCH information to try and digest and apply. In an attempt to try and make things a bit easier for you I thought I’d put together this brief resource to collect some information and advice relevant to pregnant women.
Information is key to surviving this situation, but make sure you are getting it from trusted and verified sources. Everyone on social media becomes an ‘expert’ at times like these and it can be easy to get caught up in viral (pardon the pun) posts that are full of dangerous misinformation. Places like the ABC and the World Health Organisation and government websites like HealthDirect and the Australian Government Health Department have up-to-the-minute advice and facts that you can trust
If you are pregnant and struggling, do not avoid the hospital. The health system is under the most pressure it’s ever faced at the moment - but if you’re sick, you’re still entitled to care. It’s important to exercise caution and protect yourself - keep open the lines of communication with your care providers, midwives, OB, delivery hospital and GP to ensure that you get the care that you need in a way that protects everyone
If you’ve been thinking about a pregnancy this year, and fertility concerns aren’t a factor, make sure you’re talking to your care providers now before you start trying. We don’t know what’s going to happen, how long our health system is going to be coping with this or the long term outcomes. You are entitled to add to your family in any way you wish, and at any time, but it’s important to be mindful of the extra challenges presented by the pandemic
Given that we are still in the early stages of the pandemic there is not a lot of research available on the risks and outcomes for mothers and babies. The information we do have is based on previous pandemics and the recommendations of scientists who work in the field of infectious diseases. The following information is collected from recent statements released by The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists UK:
A recent Lancet study of 19 pregnant women infected with COVID-19 did not demonstrate evidence of vertical transmission. While the numbers are few, this information, combined with the knowledge of the low pathogenicity for the fetus of more common respiratory viruses is reassuring
Pregnant women are encouraged to discuss their concerns and, in particular, to report any early symptoms to their obstetrician, GP or midwife in a timely manner
Pregnant women do not appear to be more susceptible to the consequences of COVID-19 than the general population and there is no evidence that the virus can pass to a baby during pregnancy
There is currently no data suggesting an increased risk of miscarriage or early pregnancy loss in relation to COVID-19
At the moment there is no evidence that the virus can be carried in breastmilk, so it is felt the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh any potential risks of transmission of coronavirus through breastmilk
There is limited evidence about managing coronavirus infection in women who have just given birth; however, there are no reports of women diagnosed with coronavirus during the third trimester of pregnancy having passed the virus to their babies while in the womb. Newborns diagnosed with COVID-19 are suspected to have contracted the virus after birth
If you get infected with COVID-19 you are still most likely to have no symptoms or a mild illness from which you will make a full recovery
If you develop more severe symptoms or your recovery is delayed this may be a sign that you are developing a more significant chest infection that requires enhanced care, and our advice remains that if you feel your symptoms are worsening or if you are not getting better you should contact your maternity care team straight away for further information and advice
If you have a routine scan or visit due in the coming days please contact your maternity unit for advice and to agree on a plan. You will still need to attend for a visit but the appointment may change due to staffing requirements
If you are attending more regularly in pregnancy, then your maternity team will be in touch with plans
Whatever your personal situation please consider the following:
If you have any concerns you will be able to contact your maternity team as usual but please note they may take longer to get back to you
If you have an urgent problem related to your pregnancy but not related to Coronavirus, get in touch using the same emergency contact details you already have
If you have symptoms of Coronavirus, contact your maternity service and they will arrange the right place and time to come for your visits.
You will be asked to keep the number of people with you to a minimum. This will include being asked to not bring children with you to maternity appointments
There may be a need to reduce the number of antenatal visits you have. This will be communicated with you. Do not reduce your number of visits without agreeing first with your maternity team
The important take-away from this is to communicate regularly with your care providers. The situation is different from hospital to hospital, and state to state, so knowing what's happening at your specific delivery hospital is vital. It may take them longer to get back to you, or a few more attempts to get through on the phone, but persevere and get the information you need to ensure you are cared for appropriately. If the situation is an emergency, as always, please call 000.
It's a time of fear, confusion and uncertainty. Where possible, remember to be kind and avoid judgement. We're all doing the best we can with the information we have. You are still entitled to receive care for your HG and NVP symptoms, but we must do it in a way that keeps you, your baby, your family and our wonderful health care workers safe and healthy.
This is a rapidly changing situation and the advice and recommendations are changing daily. I will do my best to keep this post updated as new information becomes available - and don't hesitate to get in touch if you need anything.