The pandemic created a significant panic among both pregnant women and the doctors and healthcare professionals monitoring them. This was because we initially lacked sufficient information about how a virus, whose characteristics were still unknown to the world, could affect pregnant women and fetuses.
The greatest cause of concern was our experience with the swine flu outbreak and the knowledge we gained from it. According to our findings, swine flu had severe consequences for pregnant women, fetuses, and newborns. Compared to non-pregnant individuals, the risk of hospitalization, severe illness, and death was 4-5 times higher.
For this reason, we were initially very anxious during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, unlike swine flu, COVID-19 did not significantly affect pregnant women.
Does COVID-19 Pose a Higher Risk for Pregnant Women?
Due to the changes in their bodies and immune systems, we know that pregnant women are more vulnerable to certain respiratory infections. Additionally, pregnant women have a higher likelihood of being admitted to intensive care units and requiring respiratory support.
Recent findings indicate that pregnant women who are older, overweight, or have pre-existing medical conditions such as hypertension and diabetes are at an increased risk of developing severe COVID-19. Therefore, it is crucial for pregnant women to take protective measures against COVID-19 and to report any potential symptoms (including fever, cough, or difficulty breathing) to healthcare professionals.
This means that if you are pregnant, your risk of severe illness from COVID-19 may be higher. It also means that you must take precautions such as social distancing, wearing masks, and maintaining proper hygiene even more seriously.
Can COVID-19 Be Transmitted to the Baby During Pregnancy?
Although studies on this subject are limited, current research suggests that COVID-19 is not transmitted from mother to baby during pregnancy. While there is no data on the effects of COVID-19 in early pregnancy, other coronaviruses have not been shown to infect developing fetuses or cause abnormalities.
After birth, however, babies can contract COVID-19 through respiratory droplets, just like adults.
Can COVID-19 Be Transmitted During Breastfeeding?
To date, there is no evidence that the virus can be transmitted to a baby through breast milk. Breast milk remains the best source of nutrition and protection against many illnesses.
However, a mother who tests positive for COVID-19 can still transmit the virus through respiratory droplets or direct contact. As a result, direct skin-to-skin contact is not recommended. Instead, expressing breast milk using a manual or electric breast pump and having a healthy caregiver feed the baby with clean bottles and proper hand hygiene is the preferred method.
Is It Safe for Breastfeeding Mothers to Get Vaccinated?
There is absolutely no harm in administering the vaccine to breastfeeding mothers. Pregnant women can also receive the COVID-19 vaccine during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.
The vaccine not only protects the mother but also helps protect the baby from COVID-19. When breastfeeding mothers get vaccinated, antibodies are passed on to the baby. In the United States, data from 30,000 pregnant women who received the COVID-19 vaccine have been analyzed, and no short-term risks were observed in vaccinated pregnant women.
Pregnant women can receive the vaccine after the first trimester. Many countries are currently vaccinating pregnant women against COVID-19. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AJOG) also recommends vaccinating pregnant women.
Claims that vaccines cause infertility or reproductive issues in men and women are entirely baseless and unfounded.
Expectant Mothers Should Pay Attention to Their General Health
During both the pandemic and pregnancy, expectant mothers should prioritize basic health measures to protect their overall well-being. By now, everyone is familiar with the importance of personal hygiene, maintaining social distance, and staying as isolated as possible.
Beyond these precautions, the most critical factor for strengthening the immune system is, of course, maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This includes a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and regular exercise. The type of exercise recommended depends on the stage of pregnancy, as different exercises are suitable for different pregnant women.
When it comes to healthy nutrition, the most important aspects are vitamin D, Omega-3, and probiotic supplements. Foods containing probiotics, such as yogurt and kefir, should be an essential part of your diet. Additionally, we recommend consuming fish twice a week as a source of Omega-3.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aşkı Ellibeş Kaya
Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist
