Are pregnant women at a higher risk for COVID19?
Based on the current knowledge, pregnant women are not at a higher risk to contract coronavirus than the general population. However, social distancing and minimizing contact with others will ensure safety.
Could a pregnant mother positive for COVID 19 can pass it to her baby?
A small number of babies have been diagnosed with coronavirus shortly after birth but it remains unclear whether transmission was prior to or soon after birth. Expert opinion is that the baby is unlikely to be exposed during pregnancy.
At the time of delivery (normal or cesarean) and during the post delivery period, all necessary precautions will be undertaken to prevent transmission of coronavirus infection to mother and her baby.
Will breast feeding cause transmission to baby?
There is no evidence showing that the virus can be carried in breastmilk, the well-recognized benefits of breastfeeding outweigh any potential risks of transmission of coronavirus through breastmilk.
Following precautions are recommended during breastfeeding,
- Wash your hands before touching your baby, breast pump or bottles
- Try to avoid coughing or sneezing on your baby while feeding at the breast. Consider wearing a face mask while breastfeeding.
- If you choose to feed your baby with formula or expressed milk, it is recommended that you follow strict adherence to sterilization techniques.
- If you are expressing breast milk in hospital, a dedicated breast pump should be used.