Pregnancy And Breastfeeding Guidelines – COVID-19

COVID-19 WHO Pregnancy And Breastfeeding Guidelines
(Last Updated On: October 3, 2023)

We all know the COVID-19 outbreak has affected the whole world and everyone is worried and tensed about this disease. On normal days, pregnant and breastfeeding women have to take proper care. WHO has published COVID-19 pregnancy and breastfeeding guidelines for women to take proper care to prevent infection.

Pregnancy And Breastfeeding Guidelines – COVID-19 – WHO

WHO has prepared COVID-19 Pregnancy And Breastfeeding guidelines from the questions asked by pregnant and breastfeeding women.

COVID-19 WHO Pregnancy And Breastfeeding Guidelines
Pregnancy And Breastfeeding Guidelines WHO COVID-19

Are pregnant women at higher risk from COVID-19?

According to WHO “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.”

Should pregnant women be tested for COVID-19?

WHO recommendations are that pregnant women with symptoms of COVID-19 should be prioritized for testing. If they have COVID-19, they may need specialized care. 

Can COVID-19 be passed from a woman to her unborn or newborn baby?

According to WHO “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.”

How Can A Pregnant Woman Protect Herself Against COVID-19?

  • Washing your hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
  • Keep space between yourselves and others and avoid crowded spaces.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Practising respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.

If you have fever, cough or difficulty breathing, seek care early. Call beforehand, and follow medical advice.

COVID-19  Pregnancy And Breastfeeding Guidelines WHO
WHO COVID-19 Pregnant Tips-1

Before, During And After Childbirth

Before, during and after childbirth, all women have the right to high-quality care. This includes:

  • Antenatal and intrapartum
  • Newborn
  • Postnatal
  • Mental Health
WHO COVID-19 Pregnancy Pregnant Tips-2
WHO COVID-19 Pregnant Tips-2

The Right To A Safe And Positive Childbirth Experience

All women have the right to a safe and positive childbirth experience, whether or not they have a confirmed COVID-19 infection.

  • Respect and dignity
  • A companion of choice
  • Clear communication by maternity staff
  • Pain relief strategies
  • Mobility in labour where possible and birth position of choice

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

WHO COVID-19 Pregnancy Pregnant Tips-3
WHO COVID-19 Pregnant Tips-3

Can I touch and hold my newborn baby if I have COVID-19?

Yes. Close contact and early, exclusive breastfeeding helps a baby to thrive.

A woman with COVID-19 should be supported to breastfeed safely, hold her newborn skin-to-skin, and share a room with her baby.”

COVID-19 WHO Pregnancy Pregnant Tips-4
COVID-19 WHO Pregnant Tips-4

Can women with COVID-19 breastfeed?

Women with COVID-19 can breastfeed if they wish to do so. They should:

  • Practice respiratory hygiene and wear a mask
  • Wash hands before and after touching the baby
  • Routinely clean and disinfect surfaces
COVID-19 WHO Pregnancy Pregnant Tips-5
COVID-19 WHO Pregnant Tips-5

A woman with COVID-19 and too unwell to breastfeed her baby directly. What can she do?

If a woman with COVID-19 is too unwell to breastfeed, she can be supported to safely provide her baby with breastmilk in other ways, including by:

WHO COVID-19 Pregnant Tips Breastfeeding
WHO COVID-19 Breastfeeding

Final Thoughts

Prevention is better than cure. As you know COVID-19 is a pandemic. Keeping distance is one of the best prevention methods, but that is sometimes difficult for a mother and newborn child. During pregnancy also proper care has to be taken to prevent infection from this coronavirus. Keep the mind calm and peaceful and have the courage to overcome obstacles. Follow the guidelines from WHO for COVID-19 Pregnancy And Breastfeeding Guidelines.

Source: COVID-19, pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding – WHO

Let’s join hands together with all the health departments and concerned authorities to fight against the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and remove it from the world.

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