The risk of contracting COVID-19 for pregnant women is relatively low. However, as women in this condition undergo various immune and physiological changes that may heighten their vulnerability to respiratory infections, including COVID-19, it’s crucial for them to take preventive measures against this virus, the flu, and other illnesses.
What Are the Symptoms of COVID-19?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), common symptoms of COVID-19 may include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
Symptoms can manifest as early as two days or as late as 14 days after exposure to the virus.
How Can You Prevent COVID-19?
Preventing COVID-19 is straightforward: wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds each time. Make sure to do this before preparing food, eating, after using the restroom, and when caring for sick individuals. If soap and water are unavailable, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Additionally:
- Avoid close contact with sick individuals.
- Refrain from touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home if you feel unwell.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or tissue, then dispose of the tissue properly.
- Regularly clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces with a disinfectant spray or wipes.
How Does COVID-19 Spread?
As COVID-19 is a novel virus, many aspects of its transmission remain unclear. However, experts believe:
- The virus can spread from person to person, particularly among those within six feet of each other, through droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
- It can also spread through contact with contaminated surfaces. Touching a surface or object that has the virus and subsequently touching your mouth, nose, or eyes is a potential route of transmission, though the CDC states this is not the primary method of spread.
- The virus may be contagious even before symptoms appear.
- Importantly, it does not spread through the air, meaning it cannot be contracted from breathing the same air as an infected person.
- COVID-19 spreads easily and sustainably within communities, particularly in affected regions.
Can Pregnant Women Transmit the Virus to Their Baby?
The CDC indicates that COVID-19 spreads primarily through close contact with an infected person via respiratory droplets. The possibility of pregnant women transmitting the virus to their fetus through other vertical transmission methods (before, during, or after birth) remains uncertain. However, recent limited cases of babies born to mothers with COVID-19 have shown that none of the infants tested positive for the virus, and it was not detected in amniotic fluid or breast milk.
Can a Mother with COVID-19 Transmit the Virus through Breastfeeding?
Much is still unknown about COVID-19 transmission. The main route of spread is believed to be through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to the flu and other respiratory viruses. Limited studies involving women with COVID-19 and other coronaviruses, like Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV), have found no evidence of the virus in breast milk. Yet, the CDC has not determined if mothers with COVID-19 can pass the virus through breastfeeding.
Should Mothers Continue Breastfeeding If They Have COVID-19 or Have Been in Contact with Someone Sick?
Yes, breastfeeding is encouraged. Breast milk contains antibodies and other immune factors that can help protect your baby from the flu. It is the recommended source of nutrition for your infant, even if the mother is unwell. If a mother feels too ill to breastfeed, she should pump her milk to ensure her baby continues to receive it and to maintain her milk supply. Prior to breastfeeding or pumping, mothers should thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water.
Is There a Vaccine for COVID-19?
Currently, no vaccine is available, and any potential vaccine is likely at least a year away. However, several research universities and pharmaceutical companies are actively working on vaccine development, with at least one candidate already in phase I clinical trials.
How Is COVID-19 Treated?
At present, there is no pharmaceutical treatment for COVID-19, and antibiotics only work against bacterial infections. Experts recommend managing symptoms with medications like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen for pain and fever. Those with severe cases may require hospitalization for respiratory support and other forms of care.
Is COVID-19 Worse Than the Flu?
The CDC reports that at least 29 million Americans contracted the flu this season, compared to over 100 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. While more than 90,000 people worldwide are confirmed COVID-19 cases, these numbers remain significantly lower than flu statistics.
For those considering options for starting or expanding their family during these times, resources such as Vegas Pregnancy, a free sperm donor matching service, and Make a Mom, which offers a reusable at-home insemination option, can be beneficial. You can explore the process of home insemination further through this guide.
Additionally, understanding fetal development is essential; for more insights, check out our post on bone development. For comprehensive information on pregnancy, visit WomensHealth.gov, an excellent resource to support your journey.
In summary, while pregnant women face unique challenges regarding COVID-19, understanding the risks, symptoms, and prevention strategies can help ensure a healthy pregnancy.