Updated on July 5, 2024
We all know the COVID-19 outbreak has affected the whole world and everyone is worried and tensed about this disease. On normal days, pregnant and breastfeeding women have to take proper care. WHO has published COVID-19 pregnancy and breastfeeding guidelines for women to take proper care to prevent infection.
Pregnancy And Breastfeeding Guidelines – COVID-19 – WHO
WHO has prepared COVID-19 Pregnancy And Breastfeeding guidelines from the questions asked by pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Are pregnant women at higher risk from COVID-19?
According to WHO “Due to changes in their bodies and immune systems, we know that pregnant women can be badly affected by some respiratory infections. It is therefore important that they take precautions to protect themselves against COVID-19, and report possible symptoms (including fever, cough or difficulty breathing) to their healthcare provider.”
Should pregnant women be tested for COVID-19?
WHO recommendations are that pregnant women with symptoms of COVID-19 should be prioritized for testing. If they have COVID-19, they may need specialized care.
Can COVID-19 be passed from a woman to her unborn or newborn baby?
According to WHO “We still do not know if a pregnant woman with COVID-19 can pass the virus to her foetus or baby during pregnancy or delivery. To date, the virus has not been found in samples of amniotic fluid or breastmilk.”
How Can A Pregnant Woman Protect Herself Against COVID-19?
- Washing your hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
- Keep space between yourselves and others and avoid crowded spaces.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Practising respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
If you have fever, cough or difficulty breathing, seek care early. Call beforehand, and follow medical advice.
Before, During And After Childbirth
Before, during and after childbirth, all women have the right to high-quality care. This includes:
- Antenatal and intrapartum
- Newborn
- Postnatal
- Mental Health
The Right To A Safe And Positive Childbirth Experience
All women have the right to a safe and positive childbirth experience, whether or not they have a confirmed COVID-19 infection.
- Respect and dignity
- A companion of choice
- Clear communication by maternity staff
- Pain relief strategies
- Mobility in labour where possible and birth position of choice
If COVID-19 is suspected or confirmed, health workers should take all appropriate precautions to reduce the risks of infection to themselves and others, including hand hygiene, and appropriate use of protective clothing like gloves, gown and a medical mask.
Can I touch and hold my newborn baby if I have COVID-19?
Yes. Close contact and early, exclusive breastfeeding helps a baby to thrive.
A woman with COVID-19 should be supported to breastfeed safely, hold her newborn skin-to-skin, and share a room with her baby.”
Can women with COVID-19 breastfeed?
Women with COVID-19 can breastfeed if they wish to do so. They should:
- Practice respiratory hygiene and wear a mask
- Wash hands before and after touching the baby
- Routinely clean and disinfect surfaces
A woman with COVID-19 and too unwell to breastfeed her baby directly. What can she do?
If a woman with COVID-19 is too unwell to breastfeed, she can be supported to safely provide her baby with breastmilk in other ways, including by:
- Expressing milk
- Relactation
- Donor human milk
Conclusion
Prevention is better than cure. As you know COVID-19 is a pandemic. Keeping distance is one of the best prevention methods, but that is sometimes difficult for a mother and newborn child. During pregnancy also proper care has to be taken to prevent infection from this coronavirus. Keep the mind calm and peaceful and have the courage to overcome obstacles. Follow the guidelines from WHO for COVID-19 Pregnancy And Breastfeeding Guidelines.
Source: COVID-19, pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding – WHO
- Healthy Parenting Tips In The Time Of COVID-19
- How To Self Protect Against COVID-19 – WHO
- Coronavirus Myth Busters | COVID-19 Advice For The Public – WHO
- Why Is novel Coronavirus Causing A Health Emergency?
Let’s join hands together with all the health departments and concerned authorities to fight against the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and remove it from the world.
Share this post to spread awareness and help others to read and get the correct information from the WHO about COVID-19.
Mathukutty P. V. is the founder of Simply Life Tips, a blogger, content writer, influencer, and YouTuber passionate about learning and sharing. Guided by “Simple Living, Creative Thinking,” he believes in the power of knowledge sharing and lifelong learning.