WHO recommendations are that pregnant women with symptoms of COVID-19 should be prioritized for testing

WHO recommendations are that pregnant women with symptoms of COVID-19 should be prioritized for testing.Research is currently underway to understand the impacts of COVID 19 infection on pregnant women. Data are limited, but at present there is no evidence that they are at higher risk of severe illness than the general population.
However, due to changes in their bodies and immune systems, we know that pregnant women can be badly affected by some respiratory infections. It is therefore important that they take precautions to protect themselves against COVID-19, and report possible symptoms (including fever, cough or difficulty breathing) to their healthcare provider. Pregnant women should follow the same rules of safety to avoid COVID-19 infection as other people. You can help protect yourself by following the recommendations below:

• Disinfect your hands frequently with alcohol based products such as DEZONTOX-A or wash hands with soap and water.
• Keep the safe distance and avoid crowded spaces.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth,
• Maintain nose and mouth hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your elbow or single use tissue while coughing and sneezing. It is necessary to dispose of the tissue immediately and wash your hands
• If you have high temperature, breathing difficulties seek for medical help. Women after giving birth including COVID-19 positive should get regular check-ups,

We still do not know if a pregnant woman with COVID-19 can pass the virus to her foetus or baby during pregnancy or delivery. To date, the virus has not been found in samples of amniotic fluid or breastmilk. Women with COVID-19 can breastfeed if they wish to do so. They should:

• Practice respiratory hygiene during feeding, wearing a mask where available

• Wash hands before and after touching the baby

• Routinely clean and disinfect surfaces they have touched

If you are too unwell to breastfeed your baby due to COVID-19 or other complications, you should be supported to safely provide your baby with breastmilk in a way possible, available, and acceptable to you.All pregnant women, including those with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infections, have the right to high quality care before, during and after childbirth. This includes antenatal, newborn, postnatal, intrapartum and mental health care. A safe and positive childbirth experience includes:

• Being treated with respect and dignity

• Having a companion of choice present during delivery

• Clear communication by maternity staff

• Appropriate pain relief strategies:

If COVID-19 is suspected or confirmed, health workers should take all appropriate precautions to reduce risks of infection to themselves and others, including hand hygiene, and appropriate use of protective clothing like gloves, gown and medical mask. 

Do women with COVID-19 should give birth by ceasarian section? WHO advice is that caesarean sections should only be performed when medically justified.The mode of birth should be individualized and based on a woman’s preferences alongside obstetric indications

WHO will continue to review and update its information and advice as more evidence becomes available.

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