If I contract coronavirus during pregnancy will my baby be affected?

Coronavirus in pregnancy: Answers to 4 of the most common questions pregnant women have.

The coronavirus can cause more severe symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, but there is not much data on its behavior in pregnant women. "It is known that pregnant women can present more severe flu symptoms as their immunity is in a form of suppression compared to other adults," explains Dimitris A. Bilalis, MBBCH MMedSc FRCOG CCST, surgeon-gynecologist. "But we don't know if the same is happening with the coronavirus. So far, pregnant women do not belong to the high-risk groups for this virus," he adds.

"If I contract coronavirus during pregnancy will my baby be affected?"

Although miscarriages and stillbirths have been reported with similar viruses, such as SARS and MERS, there is no evidence of the effect of the coronavirus. According to the aforementioned study, babies who born to mothers who were carriers of the virus were not the same carriers and were healthy. In China, a newborn was diagnosed with the virus just 30 hours after birth. However, it is not clear whether the baby, whose mother was infected, contracted the virus in utero or from close contact with her after birth.

"How is the coronavirus treated in pregnancy?"

"For that, we don't have a clear answer", comments o Dimitris Bilalis. "There is currently no cure for the coronavirus and antibiotics are known to be ineffective against viruses. In Greece, we have not faced any incident, but in this case the pathologist will collaborate with the gynecologist who monitors the pregnant woman and the symptoms will be treated on a case-by-case basis."

"Can I breastfeed if I have coronavirus?"

Again there is no answer since it is not known if the virus can pass to the baby through breast milk. "If we think in terms of the flu, the virus is generally spread through droplets. In the few studies that have been done, the virus has not been found in the breast milk of women with coronavirus." the gynecologist answers.

"How can I protect myself from the coronavirus in pregnancy?"

The same methods of protection that apply to the general population also apply to pregnancy. Good hand washing and avoiding overcrowding are basic protection measures not only against this particular virus, but in general. "In addition, some good habits are recommended that will keep your immune system strong, such as keeping your body hydrated by drinking 8-10 glasses of water or herbal teas during the day, sleeping at least 8 hours a night, trying to manage stress and take short breaks throughout your day to rest. Your diet also plays an important role in boosting immunity. The Mediterranean diet model is recommended as the healthiest and most balanced and additionally protects you with many nutrients and vitamins. Regarding travel and work, consult your doctor as their safety is linked to the data of each pregnancy. For example, if you have had gestational diabetes you are in the high risk groups and it is possible that your doctor will recommend that you stay at home and/or work from there as well as avoid unnecessary movement and crowded closed spaces. advises Dimitris Bilalis.

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