COVID-19 and High-Risk Pregnancy: What Are the Risks?

High risk pregnancy doctor in Noida

“A baby is the foundation of everything in a mother’s life – hope, a sense of wonder, and a dream of different yet jolly possibilities!” - Dr. Preeti Singh. 

According to one of the most experienced gynaecologists in Delhi NCR, pregnancy is a multifaceted and critical aspect of an individual’s (woman’s) health. If not supervised with care and cautions, it may increase the risk of acute illness and even cause the death of the mother. Owing to the emergence and prominence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the anxiety and unease regarding gestation have elevated even more. Many people think that COVID in pregnancy can augment the complexity of the same exponentially. However, is the notion, indeed, true at all or, should we tag it as “just another” hoax in the cosmos of medical science? Let’s learn more in this aspect. 

  1. High-risk pregnancy and COVID-19
  2. What are the signs and Symptoms of COVID-19 Pregnancy?
  3. What Effect Does Covid-19 Have On Pregnant Women?
  4. Can Covid-19 Cause Health Problems During High-risk Pregnancy?
  5. Can Covid-19 Be Passed From Mom To Baby During Pregnancy?
  6. What Effect Will Covid-19 Have On My Baby If I Am Diagnosed With The Infection?
  7. How to take care during the first month?
  8. What Precautions Should A Pregnant Lady Take?

Takeaway


1. High-Risk Pregnancy and COVID-19

The period of gestation can be considered extremely risky and, thus, requires proper care to turn into a successful endeavor. However, as per the gynecologist for normal delivery, the term "high-risk pregnancy" differs from the common theory. In essence, it denotes a type of pregnancy where the mother is dealing with more than one issue, which may prompt a preterm delivery. Some of these are – 

  • The individual is over 35 years or under17 years of age. 
  • The expecting mother has diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, or other critical ailments. 
  • She had an experience of premature labor, conceiving twins, or a child with a mental disability and other problems. 

Taking unhealthy drugs, consuming alcohol, and smoking can also be risky for a pregnant individual. 

In some cases of COVID-19, the mother had to give premature birth to their baby. However, according to CDC, accurate data regarding the influence of COVID in pregnancy is not available yet. If anyone is experiencing bouts of cough during the first semester of pregnancy, they should visit their physician without any delay. 

2. What are The Signs and Symptoms of COVID-19 Pregnancy?

The signs of COVID in pregnancy usually vary on the current health condition of the patient. Some of them can go on without having any symptoms during early pregnancy at all. However, if you are expecting the following issues, then contacting a healthcare specialist would be the best option for you – 

  • Coughing (continuously for more than two days)
  • Experiencing shortness of breath 
  • Extreme fatigue (although it is common during the pregnancy period)
  • Fever (over 100-degree Fahrenheit)
  • Severe headache and sore throat 
  • Aching in muscles and joints 
  • Chills (may occur alongside frequent shaking of the body) 
  • Loss of taste or smell 

The recurrence of a specific infection during pregnancy may indicate the issue of COVID-19 as well. 

| Also Read: Do's and Don'ts of High-Risk Pregnancy |

3. What Effect Does Covid-19 Have On Pregnant Women?

According to a doctor in Delhi NCR, a pregnant individual suffering from COVID-19 will need to be put under intensive care. Otherwise, it might increase the risk of infection during pregnancy. 

4. Can Covid-19 Cause Health Problems During High-risk Pregnancy?

COVID-19 usually causes cold and cough during pregnancy early trimester. So, if you are experiencing such symptoms, then visiting a healthcare specialist becomes very crucial for you. If left untreated, COVID-19 can cause premature birth. 

5. Can Covid-19 Be Passed From Mom To Baby During Pregnancy?

Yes, the disease can be transmitted from the mother to the baby during pregnancy. However, the chance of this unfortunate incident is somewhat low. 

6. What Effect Will Covid-19 Have On My Baby If I Am Diagnosed With The Infection?

The viral infection in pregnancy can prompt the mother to give birth to her child much earlier than usual. It, sequentially, may affect the health and growth of the child. 

COVID-19-and-High-Risk-Pregnancy

7. How to Take Care during Pregnancy of the First Month?

Taking care of oneself during pregnancy, especially while going through the first trimester, is crucial. So, here are some tips that might be beneficial for the expected mothers, who are still not used to this process. 

  • The pregnant individual should always follow a proper diet structure. It would be better for them to create one alongside a nutritionist during the first trimester. 
  • Taking prenatal vitamins is considered to be beneficial for a woman during their pregnancy. It helps them in reducing the prominence of stomach-related issues. 
  • You will need to eat an adequate amount of calories during this period. According to the High risk pregnancy doctor in Noida, the calorie count should be around 300 cal.
  • You can perform various mild workout programs, such as Kegel exercises. It can aid you in strengthening your pelvic floor and ease stomach pain. 
  • Finally, drinking at least three to four liters of water daily is crucial for every pregnant woman. 

8. What Precautions Should A Pregnant Lady Take?

Being careful and cautious is the key to having a successful pregnancy period. Here are some of the precautions for pregnant lady that everyone needs to follow  - 

  • If you are an avid smoker, then you will need to stop smoking during the pregnancy period. The ritual would be similar for the heavy drinkers as well. 
  • You will need to avoid smoked seafood and raw fish during pregnancy, as they can cause severe allergy and abdominal discomfort. 
  • Dairy products, such as unpasteurized milk, butter, etc., should be avoided by the pregnant person. Otherwise, they may cause severe diarrhea. 
  • Taking illegal drugs is prohibited during the pregnancy period. It can affect the natural growth of the fetus and may increase the chance of miscarriage. 
  • The pregnant person should always stay away from cat litters, as it may carry parasites that can cause toxoplasmosis. 
  • It might be better for caffeine lovers to cut down their level of consumption or stop drinking coffee altogether. 
  • Some of the other food items that the pregnant individual needs to avoid are – 
    • Raw eggs 
    • Sushi (due to the presence of raw fish)
    • Processed meat (such as deli meats and hot dogs)
    • Meat spreads and paté
    • Other fishes like tuna steak, shark, swordfish, and king mackerel 

Takeaway

In essence, this article offers some crucial insights into the aspect of "how to take care during pregnancy of the first month." However, to be more careful in this aspect, you can check in at Dr. Preeti's Clinic. After an experience of 21 years, she is a well known obstetrician-gynecologist in Delhi NCR, offering foremost treatment to her patients in this critical time as well. Therefore, owing to her immense knowledge and absolute familiarity with gestation, she can guide you through the most challenging moments of your life. So, contact her today!