Travel Guidance and General FAQs of coronavirus (COVID 19) infection during pregnancy

What are the specific travel guideline for pregnant women during COVID 19?

The government of different countries recommends avoiding all non-essential travel to all global destinations. Most of the maternity consultation is conducted through telephonically or video links whenever require to limit the unnecessary traveling to the clinics. This restriction is due to stop the spreading of infection. But in the case of traveling is necessary, then the personal vehicle must be used to avoid public contact. Currently, many of the countries are following lockdown to maintain social distancing. In this situation the scope of visiting outstation is limited. Experts recommend to all physically unwell persons including pregnant women should ensure that they have adequate insurance arrangements before the travel outstation. Following are some general FAQs often asked by pregnant women during this COVID-19 pandemic condition:

Do pregnant women are more susceptible to COVID-19 infection?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) declaration no evidence support that the pregnancy increases the vulnerability towards coronavirus infection in comparison with the general population. But it is true, during pregnancy physical and immunological changes increase the risk of some respiratory condition. Therefore WHO guidelines recommended pregnant women to take extra-precautionary to avoid this infection. It is also advisable that information to the medical staff immediately after the occurrence of any possible symptoms like fever, cough, breathing difficulty for the early measure. COVID-19 infection is a novel condition and experts try to gather more information about this infection and inform time to time in different official sites.

Can the COVID-19 infection test conducted during pregnancy?

COVID-19 infection testing protocol and eligibility criteria vary. Therefore, it depends upon where the pregnant woman belongs to live. But WHO recommends that the appearance of the symptom during pregnancy needs prioritization in testing and should acquire special attention.

Can COVID-19 infection transfer from mother to her fetus?

Complete information is till now unknown, but ongoing research tries to get a definite answer. However, no evidential report suggested that no COVID-19 stain found in amniotic fluid or breast milk.

What is the expected treatment arrangement for pregnant women with COVID-19 suspected or confirmed case history?

COVID-19 suspected or confirmed pregnant women can expect the same treatment including prenatal, postnatal care and proper arrangement during childbirth like other normal pregnant women. A positive and safe childbirth experience includes:

Providing proper respect and maintain dignity during whole gestational treatment, childbirth and after birth.
Allowance of a preferred companion during delivery;
Effective communication means using easy and understandable language by maternity staff
Planning for suitable pain relief strategies
Paper planning of delivery before the due date so that no confusion creates during the time of delivery.

Health workers should take all precautionary measures to handle COVID-19 is suspected or confirmed during prenatal, postnatal and labor care to reduce the infection risk. The supervisor should take care of maintaining hand hygiene along with the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) to all the staff who handle the patient.

Does COVID-19 increases the chance of cesarean section delivery?

According to WHO, no such information revealed. The mode of delivery completely depends upon the patient’s preference and a clinical indication if any. Proper medical justification requires before performing any medical/ surgical intervention.

References:

Ravi Sharma

Ravi Sharma is a self-motivated, successful entrepreneur and has a solid experience in the fertility segment. and he is the director at ARTbaby Global (ARThealthcare). He is a pharmacy graduate with post-graduation in business administration and has 14 years of rich experience in the field of infertility segment. He loves to write about IVF, Surrogacy, and other ART (assisted reproductive technology) news, issues, and updates. He is a Pharmacy graduate (B. Pharm) and M.B.A (marketing).
His most recent success includes the successful launch of the medical tourism company, ARTbaby, which offers treatment options for infertility, egg donation, and surrogacy. He likes spending time with his family and writing about various aspects of IVF surrogacy and donating eggs.