Getting a Covid-19 infection is a concern for everyone. However, there is such a group that they worry not only for themselves but also for the health of their unborn babies. Because reasons such as elevation of the diaphragm, edema of the respiratory mucosa and increased oxygen consumption during pregnancy cause expectant mothers to be susceptible to respiratory tract infections. This increases the risk of getting Covid-19 infection.
Some information about expectant mothers who have been infected since the first days of the pandemic causes confusion. Acıbadem International Hospital Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Dr. Günay Gündüz stated that these concerns are experienced in many issues and made a detailed explanation on the wrong information that is thought to be true in the society. Emphasizing that being Covid-19 positive will not lead to cesarean delivery, the infection will not be transmitted to the baby in the mother's womb and that the baby can be breastfed after birth, according to the researches conducted so far, Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Günay Gündüz said, "Living by paying attention to pandemic rules like everyone else, not neglecting regular doctor check-ups and eating healthy foods also protect expectant mothers." he speaks.
False: Every pregnant is in the risk group for Covid-19
Truth: Pregnant women are not in the risk group for Covid-19. However, some health problems and chronic diseases seen in some pregnant women make them more risky. Pregnant women with diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer, kidney and liver failure are in the risk group.
False: Additional measures are required to protect against the virus
Truth: Pregnant women do not need to take additional measures to protect against Covid-19. As in the rest of the society, it is important to wash hands, pay attention to social distance and mask rules. Dr. Günay Gündüz repeats that a doctor should be consulted immediately in symptoms such as cough and respiratory distress.
False: Pregnant women are not given medication to treat infection
Truth: It is important to provide physical and psychological support to pregnant women who are suspected or infected with the Covid-19 virus. Stating that pregnant women with good general conditions can complete the Covid-19 process in isolation at home, Dr. Günay Gündüz said, “Pregnant patients with severe disease are admitted to the hospital. "If painkillers, antipyretics are necessary, appropriate antiviral treatment and hydration (fluid supplementation) are done”.
Wrong: Routine pregnancy checks should not be done due to the risk of contamination
Truth: The risk of contamination in hospitals should be taken into account. However, the controls should be continued as often as the physician deems necessary. Drawing attention to the fact that screening and treating diseases such as diabetes and hypertension during pregnancy reduces the risk of transmission and severe transmission of Covid-19 infection, Dr. Günay Gündüz says, “Adequate controls should also be made in terms of expectant mother and baby health”.
False: Covid-19 is also transmitted to the unborn baby
Truth: Research data on the disease are very limited yet, but there is no definite information that the virus in a pregnant woman is transmitted to her baby. Stating that there is no evidence of such a transition from the mother to her unborn baby, Dr. Günay Gündüz said, "The health and growth of the unborn baby should be closely monitored with ultrasound controls." he speaks.
False: Covid-19 causes miscarriage
Truth: Pointing out that there are not enough and detailed studies about the course and effects of this disease, Dr. Günay Gündüz said, “The data so far show that the Covid-19 virus does not increase the risk of miscarriage or premature baby loss during pregnancy. However, there may be a risk of premature birth. Therefore, it should be kept in mind that a baby born can stay in the newborn intensive care unit. " says.
False: If Covid-19 is positive, cesarean delivery is mandatory
Truth: If there is no medical objection to delaying the birth for the mother and baby, the delivery can be postponed to an appropriate time. In cases where birth is mandatory, the necessary precautions are taken and the baby is delivered without waiting. Noting that cesarean delivery is not a necessity for pregnant women with Covid-19 positive, Dr. Günay Gündüz said, “Cesarean section is applied when there is a medical necessity. "Covid-19 infection does not make this method a necessity," he emphasizes.
Wrong: Covid-19 virus mother cannot touch her baby or breastfeed
Truth: Close contact between mother and baby and breastfeeding are of great importance in the development of the baby. Stating that even if the mother carries the Covid-19 virus, she can breastfeed her baby by taking necessary measures such as hand hygiene, mask and environment ventilation. Günay Gündüz said, “Skin-to-skin contact should be allowed between mother and baby. They can stay in the same room. The mother needs to use a mask. However, a mask or a visor should not be worn on the baby as it may cause accidents such as suffocation, ”he concludes.
Wrong: Chest film or computed tomography is not performed during pregnancy.
Truth: When necessary, chest x-ray and computed tomography can be taken. The safe radiation value for the unborn baby during pregnancy is considered to be 5 rad. Dr. Günay Gündüz notes that both shooting procedures can be performed by protecting the abdominal region of the expectant mother with a lead vest when necessary.
False: Pregnants have Covid-19 more severe
Honestly: Studies conducted since the pandemic started do not show significant results showing that Covid-19 infection will be more severe during pregnancy. Dr. Günay Gündüz states that the disease course of expectant mothers does not differ significantly from other infected people.
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