What if I get COVID-19 during pregnancy? Don't worry, let's talk about it!

If you're an expectant mother, you may have a thousand questions, fears, and doubts. That's very normal. Along with all of this, the question, "What if I get COVID-19?" is probably also on your mind. Doctors and scientists are still learning new things about this virus. So, today, let's talk simply and honestly about what we've learned so far about how it affects a pregnant mother and her unborn baby.

Pregnancy and COVID-19 risk

A question many mothers ask is, "Will I get seriously ill if I get COVID-19 while pregnant?" The simple answer is yes. In general, your risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 is low. However, if you get COVID-19 while pregnant, your risk of getting seriously ill is higher than if you were not pregnant. This risk continues for up to 42 days after delivery. Pregnant mothers who develop COVID-19 with symptoms are more likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), require ventilator support for breathing difficulties, or die from the disease than the general population. In addition, pregnant mothers who contract COVID-19 are also more likely to deliver their baby before 37 weeks of gestation, which is called preterm delivery. Let's look at some of the factors that can increase this risk.

What should you do if you develop symptoms or come into contact with someone who is sick?

Imagine you have come into contact with someone who has COVID-19, or you have symptoms like fever and cough. He will tell you to watch out for symptoms like fever, cough, and body aches. If such symptoms appear, the doctor will also advise you on whether or not you should get tested for COVID-19. Never make decisions alone.

How to protect yourself and your baby?

This is the most important part. The best and most effective way to protect yourself and your unborn baby from this pandemic is to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Experts say the benefits of getting the vaccine far outweigh the perceived risks. The mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (such as those from Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) have been shown to be safe to take before and during pregnancy.

Don't be afraid of the vaccine!

• These vaccines have not been found to increase the risk of miscarriage , premature birth , stillbirth , or birth defects .
• If you are a pregnant mother, a nursing mother, someone trying to get pregnant, or someone hoping to get pregnant in the future, it is recommended that you also get vaccinated.
• A big question on many people's minds is whether the vaccine will affect fertility . There is currently no evidence that the vaccine will harm fertility in either women or men.

Side effects after the injection?

Whether you are pregnant or not, you may experience minor side effects after getting the vaccine. For example, soreness at the injection site, body aches, and a slight fever. These usually go away within a day or two. But remember this: If you develop a fever after getting the vaccine, take a Paracetamol tablet immediately and talk to your doctor. Because a persistent high fever during pregnancy, especially in the early months, is not good for the baby. Also, if you think you are having an allergic reaction, tell your doctor immediately. These are very rare and can be treated.

If I get coronavirus before I have a baby, will it harm the baby?

This is also a concern for many mothers. According to current information, there is no evidence that the coronavirus can directly pass to the baby and cause birth defects, such as miscarriages. However, as mentioned earlier, a high fever in early pregnancy (whether due to COVID-19 or any other cause) can slightly increase the risk of birth defects. That is why we need to be especially careful about fever. Also, if a severe lung infection develops late in pregnancy, it can lead to premature birth. Some mothers who have contracted the coronavirus have had premature babies, but it is not yet clear whether the virus is the only cause.

If I have coronavirus, will my baby also be infected?

Some newborns have been infected with COVID-19. But that doesn't mean the baby caught the virus from the mother in the womb. That's very unlikely. The main way COVID-19 is spread is through respiratory droplets from an infected person coughing or sneezing. So experts believe the infected baby may have caught the virus from the mother or another caregiver after birth, through these droplets.

If I have coronavirus, can I breastfeed my baby?

This is a very important issue. According to current evidence, the coronavirus is not transmitted through breast milk. Breast milk is the best nutrition and protection for your baby. However, your cough or sneeze while breastfeeding can transmit the virus to your baby. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding while you are infected, be sure to follow these precautions:

• Before feeding your baby, wash your hands thoroughly with soap.
• Wear a face mask when breastfeeding.
• The safest option may be to express your milk (pump) and have someone who is not infected bottle-feed your baby.

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