COVID-19 FAQs

For the past two years, all of our lives have been engulfed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Life as we knew it is not the same anymore. The world is collectively going through a testing time filled with a lot of uncertainties. So, we understand if you are very anxious about pregnancy during this COVID-19 pandemic. There must be a zillion questions running through your mind right now. Well, this is the right place to clear your doubts. We at Maitri will help you answer some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about COVID19.

1. Is it a good idea to delay pregnancy plans due to the pandemic?

If you can, wait for things to settle down a bit before planning for a baby. However, if you become pregnant, there is no need to panic.

2. Does the COVID-19 infection cause infertility?

Early research regarding the effect of coronavirus on fertility has been both inconclusive and contradictory. However, there have been studies that showed a negative impact of the virus on male sperm and female ovarian reserve.

3. What are the precautions that pregnant women should take during the pandemic?

• As far as possible, try to have online consultations with your doctor.
• Maintain a safe distance from others.
• Always wear a face mask when you go out in public.
• Keeping rooms well ventilated is important.
• Frequently wash your hands with soap or sanitizer.

4. Is it safe to get vaccinated against covid before becoming pregnant?

Yes. It is recommended to get both your doses of the COVID-19 vaccine before planning for pregnancy. Then, wait for two weeks after the second vaccine dose to develop a good amount of antibodies.

5. Are pregnant women at a higher risk of contracting the COVID-19 infection?

Experts are unsure whether pregnant women are more susceptible to coronavirus infection than other person. However, pregnant women who contract coronavirus are more prone than non-pregnant women to develop severe disease. As a result, it's critical to safeguard yourself by taking all of the necessary pregnancy measures.

6. Can the virus spread from an infected mother to her baby?

There isn't enough scientific data to tell for sure if the coronavirus can transmit to newborns during pregnancy or birth. Although the coronavirus has not been detected in amniotic fluid or breast milk, it has been found in some babies delivered to moms who have coronavirus.

7. Is it still safe to give birth to a baby in the hospital?

Yes. Hospitals and birthing clinics are taking every effort to keep mothers and babies virus-free. Patients who have COVID-19 or signs of the virus are usually kept in isolation wards away from other patients.

8. Will my birthing experience still be the same? Or will there be some changes when in the hospital?

Well, there will be slight changes. Most hospitals will only allow you to bring one attendant to the delivery room. This could be your husband, mother, friend, etc. Visitors to the hospital after your baby is born will also be limited. Additionally, you and your support person may be evaluated for symptoms every day while in the hospital. However, the labor and delivery process remains unchanged.

9. Can COVID-19 positive pregnant women have a normal delivery?

Unless indicated for a caesarean section, you can safely deliver your baby vaginally even when you are infected with the virus. In addition, unless your baby is sick and has to be cared for in the neonatal unit, you should be able to have skin-to-skin contact after he or she is delivered.

10. Can pregnant women take the COVID-19 vaccine?

The Indian government has approved all the currently available COVID-19 vaccines (Covishield, Covaxin, and Sputnik) in India to be used for pregnant women. So, to-be-mommys, go get yourself vaccinated.

11. Can the vaccines available for COVID-19 cause infertility?

The COVID-19 vaccines in use have been thoroughly studied and evaluated for potential dangers, and they have only been licensed when their safety has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt. To date, there is no scientific evidence to prove that any of the approved vaccines have a harmful influence on fertility.

12. Can the virus be transmitted from an infected mother to her child through breastmilk?

To date, there is no convincing evidence that the virus can be transmitted through breastmilk. However, the biggest risk of breastfeeding is intimate contact between the mother and baby during breastfeeding. Coughing or sneezing during this time can spread the infected droplets onto your infant, resulting in infection after birth. So, always wear your mask when you are breastfeeding or at close proximity to your child.

13. Should women with PCOD get vaccinated against COVID-19?

Yes, absolutely. According to certain limited studies, patients with PCOS may have an increased chance of developing covid-19. Even if they aren't always true, it's still a good idea to get a shot as soon as possible.

14. Is it possible for a covid 19 infection to cause a miscarriage?

No. There isn’t any scientific data to support this.

15. Is COVID-19 a risk factor for preterm labor?

Yes, few studies have linked the COVID-19 infection to preterm labor.

16. Is there a link between COVID-19 and birth defects?

No. COVID-19 infections have not been linked to birth abnormalities in studies and publications on COVID-19 infections in pregnancy.