Hyderabad: Pregnant women with COVID-19 may be susceptible to pregnancy complications, an obstetrician-gynecologist says.
"Pregnant women who think they're infected should call their obstetrician and let them know their concerns. If symptoms are severe, they may need to be evaluated in the hospital," Justin Brandt, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, said.
Most reports suggest that there is a low risk of the coronavirus being transmitted from an infected mother to her fetus, but there is some research suggesting that some newborns of mothers with COVID-19 have coronavirus-specific antibodies, suggesting they were exposed to the virus in the womb.
"We need more data to clarify and corroborate this risk, but there may be reason to worry about vertical transmission and associated conditions, including birth defects, early neonatal disease and other complications," Brandt asserted.
Also read: COVID-19 LIVE: 1,023 cases linked to Tablighi Jamaat event, says Health Ministry
He further advised that, to reduce their risk of infection, pregnant women should practice social distancing, stay home and avoid public gatherings. If they must leave home, they should wash their hands regularly, try not to touch their face, and stay at least six feet from people who may be sick or people whose statuses are unknown.
He said expectant parents should prepare to be home for several months and be stocked up on food, common medicines including Tylenol, thermometers and other household items such as soap, toilet paper and washing detergent.
On the other hand, as the number of coronavirus cases worldwide swept past 1 million and the United States saw its death count rise beyond 6,200 on Friday, the Trump administration said it will announce new guidance that urges many Americans to wear face coverings to curb the spread of COVID-19.
