Safe to conceive, even in Covid-19 climate, say experts

As the pandemic rages on, expectant mothers have not been spared the fear that the virus could negatively impact their pregnancy.

Last week, a newborn died shortly after delivery in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in the US. Her mother, who has the coronavirus, went into labour prematurely during respiratory distress caused by the virus.

But so far, very few infants globally have died due to the virus, and there have not been widespread reports of mother-to-baby transmission.

Associate Professor Tan Hak Koon, chairman of the division of obstetrics and gynaecology at KK Women's and Children's Hospital, told The New Paper that couples who intend to conceive should continue to do so even during this period.

There is currently no evidence that being pregnant increases a woman's risk of getting Covid-19, or of developing severe symptoms if she has the disease.

He said: "However, pregnant women are known to be at greater risk of severe morbidity and mortality from other respiratory infections such as influenza and Sars (severe acute respiratory syndrome). This is due to the change in pregnant women's immunity during pregnancy, therefore putting them at a higher risk for viral infections."

World

Over 7m Covid-19 deaths recorded

Feb 05, 2024

Related Stories

Beijing subway drops mandatory Covid-19 mask rule

Singapore to do away with colour-coded Dorscon framework

Covid-19 infection gives similar immunity to vaccination: Study

Associate Professor Su Lin Lin, head and senior consultant of the division of maternal-fetal medicine at National University Hospital's Women's Centre, said: "There is no specific reason to discourage or advise women against pregnancy at this time.

"There is limited information about this condition in pregnancy, and unlike Zika, there is no evidence that exposure to the Covid-19 virus can cause abnormalities in unborn babies."

Mums-to-be can be reassured that a detailed management workflow is in place to look after any pregnant woman affected by Covid-19, said Dr Su.

She added that taking precautions such as observing safe distancing, avoiding crowds and gatherings, and practising good personal hygiene like washing and sanitising hands after contact with frequently touched surfaces would suffice.

Associate Professor Yong Tze Tein of Singapore General Hospital said it is uncertain if Covid-19 could be transmitted from mother to baby during vaginal delivery.

The head and senior consultant, department of obstetrics and gynaecology, said: "It is unknown if there is an increased risk of fetal anomalies at this juncture, although data from Sars did not show an increased risk... There have been two reported cases of neonates who tested positive for Covid-19, but it is uncertain how the infection was transmitted."

A 36-year-old expectant mother, who wanted to be known only as Amanda, is seven months pregnant and is worried her husband will not be allowed into the delivery ward if the outbreak worsens.

She told TNP she has been taking precautions such as staying home and limiting her trips out to only the supermarket.