While access to routine and urgent health care services remains disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, you can take the lead with self-care to protect your sexual and reproductive health and rights. Here’s how you can protect your own well-being.
The medical team at The Association for Women’s Health Care wants to help you navigate the overwhelming amount of information concerning the COVID-19 coronavirus.
The experienced OB/GYN specialists have been following the updates from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists regarding the coronavirus and pregnancy and have compiled some general information about what we know so far.
There’s no current information about specific health issues concerning COVID-19 and pregnancy, but pregnant women in general should be considered at a higher risk for any respiratory condition. There is still limited research about whether the mother can transmit COVID-19 to a fetus.
If you have recently traveled during your pregnancy, your provider at The Association for Women’s Health Care will need a detailed history of where you went and any known history of exposure to COVID-19 to determine if you need further testing.
While there is little information about whether a mother passes COVID-19 to the fetus during a pregnancy, there is research showing that infants born to mothers with COVID-19 haven’t tested positive for the virus.
There is also a small number of studies that indicated samples of breastmilk and amniotic fluids don’t contain the virus.
The primary concern for breastfeeding mothers is not so much transmitting the virus through the breastmilk but having COVID-19 spreading through any contact between the mother and nursing infant.
Spread of the virus to infants and children can occur from a cough or sneeze while breastfeeding or due to improper hand washing before preparing a bottle or using a breast pump.
Across the United States, mitigation efforts are underway to reduce the spread of COVID-19. These efforts largely include social distancing, a practice of staying away from large crowds and avoiding anyone who may have been exposed to the virus.
Along with people in general, pregnant women also need to focus on frequent handwashing with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer. This is especially important for new mothers who are breastfeeding or using a breast pump to feed their child.
It’s also important that you practice proper hygiene if you sneeze or cough, using your elbow or a tissue to cover your mouth and nose then immediately washing your hands.
If you ever have questions or concerns about your general health or your pregnancy during these trying times, feel free to reach out to the staff at The Association for Women’s Health Care.
You should also contact your provider if you feel you have symptoms that may relate to COVID-19 such as:
As new developments filter in, The Association for Women’s Health Care physicians can recommend testing for the coronavirus and provide follow-up care that focuses on your health and the health of your baby.
You can contact the team by calling either the Chicago or Northbrook, Illinois, office of The Association for Women’s Health Care. You can also book an appointment online, or send a message to the team here on their website.
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