Precautions during pregnancy amid corona pandemic is very essential. During pregnancy the immune system is suppressed and are more likely to be susceptible to infection.
While novel corona virus (n-COVID19) has equal potentials to penetrate and spread irrespective of gender and age, pregnants are slightly at an increased risk of infection pertaining to their lower immunity. While during pregnancy the immune system is suppressed and are more likely to be susceptible to infection in comparison to non-pregnant.
Though at this stage with the available data, it cannot be proved that which gender is more prone to be affected by the disease, but the chances of spread to men and women are equal. Various data shows that more men are infected by the virus than women. According to China, 106 men had the infection for every 100 women being diagnosed. Worldwide data provided by WHO suggests that around 51% of the affected persons are male.
Are Pregnants more vulnerable to COVID-19?
With various studies being published, there are no such placental transfers occurred yet during delivery. It is also evident from the report published by WHO, in which around 200 women who had mild symptoms like sore throat, fever and cold, 8% of them were later (post delivery) found to be serious, but the delivered baby was unaffected and the mother were kept in isolation.
Though there are no proven transfers, there are chances for a pregnant woman to pass on the disease to the new born. Just like in any other case of transfer, due to the close vicinity of the mother delivering the baby may be a reason, but no proven results are yet established for placental transfer. It is also advised for the mother to provide colostrums, and regular breast feed the baby with precautions to be taken.
During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes various hormonal changes that also affects the immune system. In order to keep the immune system intact, for the mother and the baby, a healthy nutritious diet is also recommended along with social distancing and hygiene.
First and foremost thing is to keep yourself well hydrated, consume lot of liquids. The best way to increase your immunity is to make sure to have a good amount of Vitamin C in your diet. It is advised to start the day with luke warm water of lemon juices, taking fresh amla is excellent. Consume a lot of fresh fruits throughout the day, which will also help to build up vitamin C and hence the immunity level.
Besides that ginger and turmeric are considered to be anti inflammatory and hence it should be a must include in the diet. We recommend everybody to include fresh ginger and turmeric grated into your cup of milk at bed time. A lot of ginger in your diet, or liquid would also help. Eat well cooked food to avoid any other type of infection, because if you get any infection then your immunity goes down and hence you are more prone to COVID 2019.
The bottom line is that all the food mentioned above are not those that will prevent you from getting the disease it only helps you to boost the immunity so that you are able to fight the COVID better.
Dr Nupur Gupta- Obs & Gyneocologist
Director – Well Woman Clinic ,Guurugram
