What to do if signs of infection appear during pregnancy? How will the transferred COVID-19 affect the health of the baby? We asked all these questions to a specialist.
I’m expecting a child, I’m very afraid to catch a covid. Does pregnancy increase the chances of getting sick?
Irina, Tver
There is currently no reliable data on the greater exposure of pregnant women to COVID-19. However, it is important to take precautions. Self-isolation mode, personal hygiene will help not get sick. There is a lot of talk about this point, and yet I will repeat myself. You need to wash your hands with soap, use disposable wipes when sneezing and coughing, forget the habit of touching your face with your palms. If necessary, you should first wash your hands and use clean wipes. In public places, you should wear a medical mask and change it every two hours. But it is better, of course, to refrain from shopping, try not to travel by public transport.
At home, it is necessary to regularly carry out wet cleaning and airing. Viruses love stagnant air. Part of the prevention that should be paid attention to is irrigation of the nasal mucosa with isotonic sodium chloride solution, this ensures a decrease in the number of both viral and bacterial pathogens of infectious diseases. And, of course, it is impossible to delay the visit to the doctor when symptoms of an acute respiratory infection appear.
The first pregnancy, I watch my health, I panic if I understand that a runny nose begins. How to understand whether you need to call a doctor or not?
Alena, Omsk
Of course, it is important for expectant mothers to carefully monitor their health, but they should not panic either. However, it is necessary to call a specialist if the body temperature is above 37,5 degrees, coughing, shortness of breath, runny nose, sore throat, decreased sense of smell and taste appear. When one or more symptoms appear, one should play it safe.
If the disease cannot be avoided, what is the risk of having an infected baby? In other words, is COVID-19 delivered in utero?
Ekaterina, Podolsk
It is currently unknown whether a woman with COVID-19 can transmit the virus to her baby during pregnancy and childbirth. All official neonatal cases of COVID-19 infection have been associated with close contact of the child with a sick mother or someone who was still caring for the baby. However, Italian scientists did research that they presented at the 23rd International AIDS Conference. They show that vertical transmission of COVID-19 from mother to fetus is still possible.
The third trimester of pregnancy is coming to an end. Labor is coming soon. Is COVID-19 an indication for caesarean section, should I insist on it?
Victoria, Pskov
A cesarean section is performed according to standard obstetric indications, but if hypoxia cannot be eliminated against the background of mechanical ventilation or with the progression of respiratory failure, when pulmonary edema develops or septic shock occurs, doctors decide in favor of a cesarean section. This is done in the interests of the mother and the fetus.
Universal COVID vaccination is about to begin. I am expecting a child and, of course, I want to protect myself from the virus. Can I get vaccinated?
Elena, Aleksin
Not only pregnancy, but also the period of breastfeeding is a contraindication for the use of a vaccine against coronavirus infection registered in the Russian Federation. Therefore, it is especially important for all expectant and lactating mothers to observe the rules of protection against disease common to all.