Pregnancy and the ensuing childbirth are arguably the most exciting periods in a woman’s life. At the same time, they also bring in a lot of fears and anxieties. Now with Covid-19 around and normalcy, as we know toppled, childbirth can cause a lot of worries in expecting mothers as well as their family. But is childbirth during Covid-19 a matter to be worried about? The answer is ‘no’. With proper care and by adhering to the safety measures, giving birth can be a hassle-free experience.
Of all the questions a would-be-mom has about childbirth during Covid-19, the one that concerns them most is the following:
Am I in the high-risk category because I’m pregnant?
As of now, there’s no evidence that suggests that your pregnancy puts you in a high-risk category for Covid-19. Infections are not quite severe in most pregnant women. When it comes to newborns, Covid-19 is not found to be a serious threat to them, if measures are taken to protect them against the infection.
What if I’ve Covid-19 symptoms such as cough, fever or other symptoms?
If you’re severely ill or have breathing difficulties or persistent cough, consult your primary care physician or gynecologist. They will do the Covid-19 test on you before proceeding with further checks.
As a pregnant woman what are the safety measures, I should stick to?
As you know, Covid-19 is highly contagious. So, make sure that you follow the safety measures as prescribed by the government strictly. These include washing your hands with soap and water, carrying a sanitizer, wearing a mask while stepping out and maintaining physical distancing.
Am I allowed to have people to support me/visitors while I’m in the hospital?
As for support person, your hospital may or may not allow entry depending on the overall situation. Visitors, however, are a strict no-no. Even after discharge and going home, make sure that you don’t allow visitors. Remember, a newborn is prone to infection, so even before you feed your baby, wash your hands thoroughly.
Is it safe to be in the hospital now?
Hospitals take all precautionary measures to ensure your safety. These include periodical disinfection of the premises, healthcare professionals wearing PPE kits and not allowing outsiders to the hospital. In short, it’s safe to be in the hospital to give birth.
What if there are people infected with Covid-19 in the maternity unit?
While providing maternity care is important irrespective of expecting mothers’ Covid-19 status, hospitals make sure that pregnant women with Covid-19 are isolated and treated separately. Safety will not be compromised in the hospital premises.
How about the safety of my newborn baby?
Though all the safety measures are in place, hospitals make sure that you don’t stay a minute longer than required in the hospital to reduce all chances of infection. Also, don’t allow visitors inside your home and limit your baby’s exposure to others to a minimum.
Can I breastfeed?
Regarding breastfeeding your doctor will advise you of the safety measures to be adopted while breastfeeding your baby.
Covid-19 is here and is unabated. But it doesn’t mean that you worry about it unnecessarily. By following the safety measures, you can keep yourself safe and make pregnancy and childbirth a memorable experience.
Dr. Raghavendra Bhat | Consultant – Obstetrics & Gynaecologist | Sahyadri Narayana Multispecialty Hospital Shimoga