Pregnancy and novel Coronavirus: Facts for expectant mothers
Posted March 30, 2020 by Edward M Ferris, MD
As Coronavirus COVID-19 continues to spread, pregnant women worry not only for themselves but for their developing babies. This is a new virus, and doctors are still learning about the risk it poses to women and infants.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that it is too early in this epidemic to know if a pregnant woman can pass the virus to her baby during pregnancy or delivery. However, “No infants born to mothers with COVID-19 have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. In these cases, which are a small number, the virus was not found in samples of amniotic fluid or breastmilk.”
Breastfeeding guidelines
For most babies, breast milk is the best source of nutrition. If a mother is confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19, she should take the following precautions when breastfeeding:
• Wash your hands before touching your baby.
• Wear a face mask while your baby is feeding at your breast.
• If you are using a breast pump, wash your hands before touching any part of the pump or bottles and disinfect the pump afterwards.
• If possible, have someone who is healthy feed your pumped milk to your baby.
Summa has protocols in place to protect you
Our Infection Control Department and Infectious Disease Division, in conjunction with the CDC and local public health officials, is continuing to diligently monitor the situation and preparing its staff for an emergency.
We know that birth is a joyous time for new mothers and families. However, due to the increasing spread of COVID-19 and in accordance with CDC guidelines, Summa Health is currently restricting visitors. Please visit our current Visitation Guidelines to get up-to-date information on these restrictions. Contact the Call Center Help Line at 330.319.9453 with any questions about visitation.
The best defense is prevention
Our advice for pregnant women is the same for everyone as this pandemic unfolds. Wash your hands often and don’t touch your face. If you must be around others, keep six feet away. Finally, opt for virtual prenatal visits if your OB/GYN offers them.
We also recommend that you get a flu shot. When you are pregnant, changes to your immune system and vital organs put you at higher risk of developing severe respiratory distress. The flu vaccine won’t protect you from COVID-19, but it will lower your risk of catching the flu and developing complications during your pregnancy.
Call our 24/7 hotline at 234.867.6314 if you have additional questions related to the Coronavirus.
About the Author
Vitality eNews Sign Up
Receive the Summa Health eNewsletter for the latest health tips, advice and updates.
Related Blogs
In this episode, we delve into the often unspoken reality of pregnancy and infant loss. We discuss the importance of communication and combating the stigma surrounding these sensitive topics.
We also explore the importance of offering support to those in your life experiencing this loss and how you can give that support.
Please be advised that this podcast does not replace professional medical or mental health guidance. If you have concerns about your pregnancy or mental well-being, prioritize consulting a qualified healthcare professional.
Join us as we navigate these sensitive issues with respect and a focus on creating supportive communities. Thank you for listening.
You’ve probably heard the term time and time again: “breast is best.” That’s because it’s true. Scientific research proves the benefits to both newborns and mothers are too numerous to count. That’s why physicians and experts encourage all mothers to breastfeed, if possible.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, breast milk is the best source of nutrition for newborns. It has the right amount of fat, sugar, water…
Regular visits and routine testing are a large part of the pregnancy journey to monitor the growth and development of your baby while helping to ensure you and your baby remain healthy throughout your pregnancy.
Summa Health breaks down various tests by trimester you can expect to undergo for routine prenatal care. The timings may vary, depending on your risk factors and individual situation, and for high-risk pregnancies, additional tests may be recommended, such as…
While midwives are growing in popularity in this country, there are still many who aren’t aware of the care they can provide. Many people believe midwives help moms-to-be give birth in private settings, such as in their homes, without medication or medical intervention. While this may be true for some midwives, hospital-based midwives, like the ones at Summa, provide quality care in the hospital while maintaining a “home-like” feel.
In truth, certified nurse…
You’re pregnant, so you can now “eat for two,” as the popular saying goes, right? Not quite. While pregnancy increases your body’s need for extra calories and nutrition, eating double the calories could cause you to gain an excessive amount of weight.
To maintain a healthy pregnancy, you only need about 350 extra calories each day — and maybe slightly more during your third trimester. That’s roughly the number of calories in a half a…
When you’re expecting, it’s especially important to keep moving. Exercise is an important part of a healthy pregnancy and offers big benefits for both you and your baby, such as:
- Boosts energy levels and makes you feel better by releasing endorphins
- Reduces back pain
- Eases constipation, bloating and swelling
- Decreases risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and cesarean birth
- Prevents excess weight gain, which is helpful in regaining your pre-pregnancy body more…
Dr. Cheryl Johnson leads a discussion focusing on empowerment in the African American community, especially maternal health.
Whether you’re expecting your first baby or expanding your family, when the day you give birth finally arrives, it’ll be one of the most important in your life. That’s why many expecting parents have a written birth plan ready that outlines their preferences for their big day.
It’s normal to have expectations for how you’d like your birth experience to happen. Discussing your wishes ahead of time with your partner and obstetrician, or midwife…
It’s true babies sleep a lot. In fact, they can spend up to 16 hours a day asleep in the first few weeks of life. That’s why it’s so important to make sure for every snooze — nighttime and naptime — your baby sleeps safely.
Sadly, every week in Ohio, it’s estimated 3 babies die while sleeping due to unsafe sleep practices, according to the Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. In fact, Ohio has the eighth-highest infant death…
One of the most common symptoms of early pregnancy is nausea and vomiting. Although it is common, it can have a significant impact on patients' quality of life, especially when it is severe or prolonged. Nausea and vomiting is an unpleasant reality for many women in their early weeks of pregnancy, but for some it can extend into the second and third trimester as well.
There is a wide variation amongst women who experience pregnancy induced nausea. Some women…
For mothers everywhere, making the decision whether to breastfeed or not is a very personal matter. Both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologistsstrongly recommend breastfeeding for 6 months. There are many health benefits to breastfeeding for both mother and baby, which we’ve outlined below to give you the latest research and information. Of course, every family is unique, and the decision is ultimately up to…