If you are due for delivery or are recently pregnant or breastfeeding, then you are probably concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on you and your baby. According to CDC, the overall risk is low, yet with certain complications, the risk may increase.
The following are some of the risks you might encounter:
First of all, the likelihood of getting very sick from COVID-19 is high in women who are pregnant or recently pregnant than in others.
If you are infected with COVID-19, you may experience complications in pregnancy and the development of the baby itself.
While suffering from COVID-19, the risk of premature birth with low birth weight is high. Rarely, in extreme cases, there is a risk of stillborn.
Transmission of the virus to the baby is low and very rare, however, it is a possibility. Though, the baby can get COVID-19 after being born.
The risks are not for everyone and they vary for each woman. The following are the factors that increase the risk:
Being overweight or obese
Being older than 25
Living in a community with a high number of COVID-19 cases
Not being vaccinated
Not following COVID-19 prevention norms
Pregnant women, breastfeeding women, or people who are trying to get pregnant, must take measures to protect themselves from getting infected to avoid having any risks. Although the risks associated with COVID-19 are low for pregnant women, it is always essential to be cautious, and taking preventive steps is wise.
It is strongly recommended to follow the COVID-19 guidelines and if you have any signs or symptoms associated with COVID-19 or come in contact with people who are infected with COVID-19, you should get a COVID-19 test.