The COVID-19 pandemic has been nothing but a disaster. From the crashing economy to limitations in medical facilities, the world is facing an economic and survival crisis. While some countries have won the war against the virus, many developing countries are still struggling to flatten the curve. Admittedly, during the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the most vulnerable can be pregnant women.
Researchers and the general public, are concerned about situations where pregnant women are infected with the deadly virus. However, some actual cases shed some light on this and revealed the possible conclusions.
The pandemic is harsh enough on the healthier population. While it is almost a sort of battle where the individual with the strongest immune system survives, bringing new life into this world is terrifying. Pregnancy comes with its own risks and struggles and an added pressure of a pandemic is enough fear for expectant mothers.
In China, an infected pregnant woman gave birth to a baby with coronavirus antibodies. The mother of the healthy baby was originally from Hubei, the prime origin of the pandemic. However, the mother recovered within 10 days during her pregnancy.
Doctors reported that the antibodies were a “natural anti-virus ability” that the child received from his mother. The mother and the healthy newborn tested negative for the virus before the hospital discharged them.
Research on COVID-19 infected pregnant women
A recent study concluded 427 pregnant women hospitalized between March 1 and April 14. All of the pregnant women tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Researchers from the University of Nottingham conducted a study. Their research studied the threats associated with pregnant women and the transmission of COVID-19 to their unborn babies.
The researchers, however, concluded low possibilities of infection. However, the low chances were still significant as some newborns were tested positive for the virus. Thankfully, the babies showed no symptoms. Researchers added that breastfeeding or closeness with the mothers did not harm their health.
Researcher Dr. Kate Walker added to this as well. She stated the concerns that were going around regarding the infection of pregnant women. According to their results, the reported infection rate was low. However, the researchers emphasized the safety of breastfeeding and vaginal birth for mothers in such special circumstances.
Safety of newborns
The researchers studied recent results from pieces of research. This included a study range of over 700 mothers and their newborns. This helped them understand the threats associated with the transmission of the deadly virus. In the study, all participants tested positive for COVID-19 during their pregnancy.
Eventually, researchers concluded the low infection rate for transmission. This was not dependant on the method of delivery at all. However, all newborns were reported to be asymptomatic in case of successful transmission.
Almost 370 babies were delivered via C-section, with only 5% testing positive for the coronavirus. Meanwhile, out of the 300 babies delivered vaginally, less than 3% tested positive for the coronavirus.
The researchers expressed relief for mothers. They also focused that mothers should not stress over the worsening of any health conditions. Moreover, they stressed that the delivery and aftercare plans to remain unaltered. Dr. Walker explained the safety of breastfeeding for the mother and the child when the cumulative risks were incredibly low.
Researchers are expecting these results to alleviate the fear and anxiety of expectant mothers with nearing delivery dates. Researcher Dr. Jeannette Comeau shared positive results with a relief. She also hoped that these results would help support expectant mothers during this hard time.
With the ongoing human trials, and potential treatments of COVID-19, and these results, it seems there might be hope after all. After a chaotic start to 2020, people around the world are hoping for the end of this pandemic.