Can pregnant women pass COVID-19 to unborn children?

         Pregnant women have a high priority to avoid getting covid 19 at all costs. These women have changes in their immune systems, making them vulnerable.  They are advised to be extra cautious and protect themselves and their unborn child. Keeping a physical distance, washing hands, sanitizing at all times, and wearing a mask. In case they find themselves in situations that they fall sick with covid 19 symptoms consulting a health practitioner as soon as possible.  (Gupta & Pushkala 2021)

           All pregnant women should always be screened for covid 19. The same should be done at the time they’re admitted for delivery. Mothers with covid 19 related symptoms such as fever, coughs, and difficulty in breathing should be given top-quality care and be provided with the best equipment to help ease their pain. At the same time flu has the same symptoms and screening should be done to rule out one sickness. Having a sick woman can be very bad since there are chances of premature birth or sometimes losing the baby. They are likely not to pass the 37th week of pregnancy. The baby can be delivered through a caesarian section due to the low levels of energy. Women with any underlying condition such as diabetes and asthma are at high risks and should be more cautious. A mother can pass the virus after birth but not before. (Farhat, A. at el 2020)

          To be more cautious and protect the baby precautions should be taken during the delivery time. Few people and only the important should be in the room and maintain a distance as possible. Visits should be minimized so as not to expose the baby. Washing hands should be prioritized when handing the child to everybody. Health practitioners should wear clean gloves.  The child’s health ought to be put as the first priority.

Reference

Farhat, A. S., Sayedi, S. J., Akhlaghi, F., Hamedi, A., & Ghodsi, A. (2020). Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection in newborns. International Journal of Pediatrics, 8(6), 11513-11517.

Gupta, P. D., & Pushkala, K. (2021). How COVID-19 Affects Expecting Women?. Immunity, 12, 13.