Pregnant women are no longer at risk of infection or developing a serious disease pattern because of their condition. There is also no evidence of vertical transmission, that the virus crosses the placental barrier and infects the baby.
Since Covid19 is a new virus, there are not many scientific publications regarding how it acts in pregnant women, but it is expected that a vast majority of women in this state will experience only mild or moderate symptoms since severe or severe symptoms such as pneumonia, commonly appear in elderly patients, those with diminished immune system or patients with chronic diseases.
Although pregnant women are included in the vulnerable or risk group because pregnant women are known to experience immunological and physiological changes that can make them more susceptible to viral respiratory infections, including VIDOC-19.
Several studies revealed that pregnant women with different viral respiratory diseases were at high risk of developing obstetric complications and adverse perinatal outcomes compared to nonpregnant women due to changes in immune responses.
We also know that pregnant women may be at risk for serious illness, morbidity, or mortality compared to the general population, as seen with other related coronavirus 5 infections [including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and middle eastern respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS- CoV)] and other viral respiratory infections, such as influenza, during pregnancy.
On the other hand, there is no evidence that the virus crosses the placental barrier and infects the baby (vertical transmission). Two questionable cases have been reported. In both cases, it is unclear whether the infection occurred before or after birth. Another recent report from China of four infected pregnant women who had their babies did not show evidence of infection in the newborns.
Experts believe that the fetus is unlikely to be affected by the disease. It is also considered unlikely, if you have the virus, which can cause fetal abnormalities. None have been observed at present.
How should I act if I think I am infected?
If you are pregnant and notice a fever, a continuous dry cough and a new cough, you should stay home for at least 15 days. It is not necessary to go to the Emergency Room. You should only go to the Emergency Room if you notice a deterioration in your health, difficulty in breathing (dyspnea), dizziness, intense headaches and fever.
Should I make my pregnancy control visits?
Pre- and post-natal check-ups are essential to ensure the well-being and health of your baby.
But before you go for your routine check-up, see if you can delay it or check with your doctor before you go.
If you have symptoms or possible infection with Coronavirus, you should postpone routine visits until the isolation period is over.
There are currently restrictions on travel established by the Authorities for the benefit of all. In any case, consult the possibility of delaying a visit if you are travelling from outside Barcelona.
What will my delivery be like if I am infected with Coronavirus?
There is no evidence that you cannot give birth vaginally, nor that a Cesarean section is safer for the mother and child. So the planning of the birth should be as close to your wishes as possible.
However, if the mother’s respiratory conditions worsen and influence fetal well-being, a Cesarean section should be urgently needed to terminate the pregnancy.
There is no evidence or contraindication in performing an intra or peridural anesthesia.
What will the assistance be like during labor, if I am infected?
Centro Medico Teknon, following the guidelines of the Ministry of Health, has established very strict protocols for assisting the delivery of pregnant women infected with the coronavirus. They are aimed at protecting the patient and the child.
Once the course of labor has been established in the Emergency Room, it will be moved to the Obstetrics Area, where it will remain until the end of labor, whether by vaginal delivery or cesarean section. Both you and your companion must wear a surgical mask and your companion must also wear a disposable cap and gown. The companion may only leave the Labor Room, accompanied by an assistant, to go to the bathroom if needed. At no time may you leave the Obstetrics Area.
Cord blood collection for donation or for private preservation is not allowed. It is advisable to clamp the umbilical cord early to minimize the risk of transmission. Avoid skin-to-skin contact.
Continuous monitoring should be performed for possible loss of intrapartum fetal well-being risk.
After the birth you will be transferred to your room.
The Center is equipped with an ICU in case you need it.
Please note that when you are admitted to Centro Medico Teknon and are ill with Coronavirus, you may not leave your room at any time. The room has a full bathroom for your exclusive use. You will not be able to receive visitors of any kind.
Unfortunately, if you are affected, it is assumed that your partner will be isolated. If your partner is negative for the coronavirus, he will not be able to share the room or the bathroom with you. And the contacts with you will be conditioned in their form and frequency, by your condition and the indications given to you at the Center.
We will do our best to make your stay as comfortable as possible. You will be given precise indications of self-protection and to protect the staff who will assist you during your admission.
Can I pass the Coronavirus to my baby?
There is no experience in how to treat a woman who has just given birth. However, there are no reports of any infected pregnant women in the third trimester passing the virus to their children before delivery.
The child will usually be tested for coronavirus.
Will I be able to breastfeed my baby?
Breastfeeding is not contraindicated according to the Spanish Society of Neonatology, but general precautions and the use of a protective mask are recommended.
The Neonatology Service will give you precise instructions for breastfeeding and caring for your baby. How to breastfeed and what alternatives we can have.
Neonatology has its own protocol regarding the isolation and care of the newborn. The Center’s pediatricians will inform you in detail about the protocols to be followed to protect your baby.