Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Record
Daily Record
Lifestyle
Lisa Hodge

Coronavirus advice for pregnant women issued as experts say they are 'more vulnerable'

Pregnant women have been told by medics it is "not yet clear" how coronavirus could affect them.

The Royal College of Obstetrician and Gynaecologists has said although pregnant women "do not appear to be more susceptible to the consequences" of Covid19  - there is no clear evidence as yet to its affects.

Medics say the majority of pregnant women will most likely experience mild or moderate symptoms similar to cold and flu.

However experts do say pregnant women are "more vulnerable".

Advice on the RCOG website says: "If you are pregnant you are more vulnerable to getting infections than a woman who is not pregnant. If you have an underlying heart or lung condition, such as asthma, you may be more unwell if you have coronavirus."

According to RCOG there are no reported cases of deaths of pregnant women from coronavirus at the moment.

If I am diagnosed, will it affect my baby?

There is no evidence so far to suggest an increased risk of miscarriage. Furthermore, if you have coronavirus, there is no evidence to suggest it will pass to your baby in the womb. Experts say it is very unlikely to lead to abnormalities in your baby .

In China some infected pregnant woman have given birth prematurely however RCOG say at the moment: "It is unclear whether coronavirus caused this or the doctors made the decision for the baby to be born early because the woman was unwell."

How can I reduce my risk of becoming infected?

It's simple: Wash your hands regularly and effectively.

What should I do if I suspect I have coronavirus?

You should call NHS 111 for further advice and make sure you tell them you are expecting a baby.

Inform your maternity unit of any advice given to you from the NHS.

What if I test positive for coronavirus?

If you test positive you must make your midwife aware. RCOG says: "If you have no symptoms, or mild symptoms, you will be advised to recover at home. If you have more severe symptoms, you might be treated in a hospital setting."

Can I attend antenatal appointments if I have to self-isolate?

You need to check with your midwife and get advice on how to continue your antenatal care.

What happens after I recover from coronavirus?

According to RCOG: ''As a precautionary approach, an ultrasound scan will be arranged 14 days after your recovery, to check that your baby is well. This 14 day period may be reduced as more information on how infected people are in recovery becomes available.

"If you have recovered from coronavirus and tested negative for the virus before you go into labour, where and how you give birth will not be affected by your previous illness."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.