If Pregnant Women are Infected with Corona Covid-19, What about the Unborn Baby?

Kapanlagi.com - Initial actions in pregnant women are very important to prevent the transmission of the corona virus. Considering that the corona virus can be transmitted if the immune system is weakened. Of course, if this happens to a pregnant mother, can it harm the baby in the womb?

The spread of the corona virus has indeed become a major problem. The number keeps increasing day by day. In this condition, researchers have not yet found an antivirus for it.

Anxiety is also felt by pregnant women. The increasing number of cases certainly brings about excessive worry and anxiety. However, this information also needs to be known in order to obtain accurate information to protect the unborn baby.

1. Latest Research on the Impact of Corona Virus on Pregnant Women

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Other information is that, until now there is not enough evidence to determine whether this virus can be transmitted to the fetus during pregnancy, or other impacts on the fetus. Pregnant women should apply appropriate prevention and immediately seek medical treatment if experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

Quoted from halodoc, a study published in The Lancet revealed views on how the respiratory disease affects pregnancy. The study evaluated 9 pregnant women aged between 26-40 years who were diagnosed with pneumonia caused by covid-19. The result is that the virus is not transmitted from mother to fetus in the womb. The 9 women successfully gave birth to their babies via caesarean section.

Another point is conveyed by Dr. Jennifer Wu, an OB-GYN at Lenox Hill Hospital, according to her, if the virus spreads through droplets in the air, then the risk of transmission will be the same between normal delivery and caesarean section. In addition, pregnant women infected with the corona virus may also need to be isolated from their babies after birth to prevent transmission through close contact.

2. Pregnant Women Are Susceptible to Respiratory Disorders

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Why are pregnant women susceptible to respiratory disorders? This is because of the increased progesterone hormone during pregnancy. This hormone can stimulate the respiratory center in the brain. This causes the pregnant woman's body to be sensitive to changes in oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood, affecting the respiratory system's performance.

One of the viruses that attacks the respiratory system is the coronavirus. If this happens to a pregnant woman, there is a high risk of experiencing respiratory disorders, including pneumonia. Especially if the mother has a history of chronic illness.

Therefore, pregnant women must be careful not to be exposed to the Wuhan virus from China. It is crucial for pregnant women to have awareness and be proactive in taking early prevention measures to maintain their immune system.

3. Stay Alert and Calm

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Anxiety that occurs in mothers during the corona pandemic is indeed very normal. However, it is important to remain vigilant and not have excessive anxiety because it can trigger stress and have a negative impact on the unborn baby.  

In addition, calm your mind and occasionally equip yourself with accurate information related to the health of the mother and the unborn baby during pregnancy. Here are things that can be done to prevent stress in the midst of the corona pandemic such as consuming healthy food, exercising regularly, and avoiding both physical and mental pressure.

4. Maintaining Immunity

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A weak immune system is highly likely to be infected with the corona virus. Pregnant women are strongly advised to consume healthy foods such as vegetables and fruits.

In addition to vegetables and fruits, consuming foods that are high in protein such as eggs is good for the nutrition of pregnant women. Besides increasing the baby's weight, garlic is also believed to boost the body's immunity. This is because garlic contains natural antiviral and antibacterial properties.  Other foods to consider are red meat,  the body's need for iron should be fulfilled by consuming red meat which is good for immunity.

5. Hand Washing

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Always make it a habit to wash your hands as a proper step to prevent corona virus infection. It is best to wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. This is to kill the viruses and germs that stick to your hands, then dry them using tissues or clean towels.

Using hand sanitizer can be a second option if water is not available. Effective hand sanitizers should have a minimum alcohol content of 60%.

6. Wearing Masks When Traveling

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The use of masks for pregnant women is highly recommended to prevent the transmission of the corona virus. Pregnant women should also limit themselves when in crowded places. In addition to wearing masks, pregnant women are also advised to maintain a distance of about 1 meter from people who are coughing and sneezing.

In addition, avoid long-distance travel, especially to areas affected by the corona virus. If you have recently returned from an infected area, immediately communicate with a midwife or obstetrician.

(kpl/dtm/gen)