Over more than 451,168 people tested for COVID -19 since the beginning of the virus in the state of Qatar, the Ministry of Public Health has announced that only a few pregnant women with COVID-19 have been admitted to the hospital for treatment in the country.

The Ministry issued an information leaflet ‘Infection with coronavirus (COVID-19) during pregnancy’ prepared by Dr. Salwa AbouYakoub, Chair of Obstetrics, Dr. Mariam Al Belushi, Dr. Gamal Ahmed – Senior Consultants in Obstetrics and Gynecology; Women’s Wellness and Research Centre, Hamad medical corporation in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), to provide guidance for pregnant women, and women who just had their babies.

Here are some of the FAQs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

How can I protect myself against COVID-19 when I am pregnant?

Pregnant women should follow the same precautions - as others - to avoid COVID-19 infection. Further information is available on the Ministry of Public Health website.

Are pregnant women more susceptible to acquire COVID-19 than the general population?

We don’t know much about Covid-19 and pregnancy. However, from what we know so far, pregnant women are not more likely to acquire the disease than the general population (if they are at the same age and have similar risk factors).

If I get infected, can this infection be more severe compared to non-pregnant women?

Pregnancy alters the body’s immune system and generally affects the pregnant woman’s response to viral infections in general, causing in some cases more severe symptoms. However, from what we know so far if healthy pregnant women do acquire COVID-19, they are not more likely to get severe symptoms as pneumonia than other healthy non-pregnant women (after adjusting for other factors like age, body mass index (BMI) and associated other health issues like diabetes or hypertension). Fortunately, most women who get COVID-19 when pregnant, recover before giving birth.

If I have COVID-19, can the baby be negatively affected by my infection?

From what we know so far, Covid-19 is unlikely to cause birth defects in babies, affects the baby’s development nor does infection increase your risk of miscarriage. Although the available evidence is limited, it could be possible that the baby, while still in the womb, can get infected.

A very small number of babies have been tested positive for Covid-19 soon after birth. We are not certain yet if this infection occurred in the uterus (womb) or if it happened soon after birth. So far, neither this is confirmed nor the exact risk the baby could face in case of getting an infection is known. However, on a positive note, so far, all reported cases of newborn babies who develop COVID-19 very soon after birth, these babies were well.

What happens if I get COVID-19 while pregnant?

You will be assessed by the dedicated team who will guide on your management and follow up location. Most pregnant women can be isolated in one of the quarantine facilities. Only a few pregnant women with Covid-19 will admission to hospital for treatment, usually this is provided at the Cuban Hospital until their condition improves, and then they are transferred to one of the quarantine facilities. This could be a stressful time, especially if you have other children. It is better to ask your family members to take care of your children, while you are isolated in quarantine.

I do not have COVID-19, how am I going to be followed up in pregnancy?

HMC has minimized the number of visits to the hospital to see the doctors and midwives. However, your canceled physical appointments will be replaced with a phone consultation with one of our doctors. In other words, most of your routine appointments are still scheduled, but some will be conducted over the phone, and others will be done physically by your visit to the hospital.

HMC specialized doctors will review your file 2 days before your appointment and determine if you need to come for a physical appointment or you just need a phone consultation.

This does not affect your blood tests or ultrasound as you can still go and have them done. The Doctor will follow this up with a phone call, or you will be asked to be seen to explain the results in your next scheduled appointment. As for medications, they could be prescribed after a phone consultation with your doctor.

It is likely that doctors will see you physically in the clinic at 24-28 weeks, 32-36 weeks, 38,39,40 weeks. You will be seen more frequently if your condition shows a necessity or if you have certain medical conditions.

These measures are only for scheduled or routine appointments. The Emergency Department is open 24/7 if you have an acute condition or complications such as bleeding or decreased baby movement or any other emergency.

It is very important that you wear a mask, follow social distancing, and other safety precautions outlined by the MOPH, to limit the spread of infection.

Will COVID-19 effect mode or timing of delivery? Can I still have a normal vaginal delivery if I have an infection?

It is unlikely that the mode of delivery will be affected by having Covid-19 infection. Most (around 80%) of pregnant women do not have symptoms or have minimal symptoms. In most cases having an infection will not affect your mode of delivery and you can still achieve a normal delivery if that is what is planned in your case. It is unlikely that you will have a cesarean delivery just because you are infected by Covid-19.

Having an infection doesn’t mean automatically that this will affect the timing of your delivery or that we will deliver you earlier. In most cases, if you are well your pregnancy will normally continue as if you are not infected.

In very few cases especially if you have severe symptoms and have pneumonia, you may have an increased risk of preterm delivery (delivery before 37 weeks). We don’t know yet if the severe infection leads to preterm delivery or that doctors decide to deliver you early because you are very sick to benefit your health and get you better.

Pregnancy itself increases the risk of clotting in the legs and lungs. There is also some evidence that Covid-19 is a hypercoagulable state (another risk factor for clots). For that reason, you will be offered blood thinning injections if you are admitted with Covid-19.

Where will I deliver if I have COVID-19 infection?

If you have a Covid-19 positive test it is likely you will usually deliver at the Cuban hospital in Dukhan. That hospital is dedicated to caring for pregnant women with Covid-19 infection. A dedicated team of experts will take care of pregnant women and their babies during pregnancy and delivery. Doctors will guide you on where to go. However, if you are in established labor or have bleeding for example or another emergency, you will need to go to the hospital nearest to you.

What should I expect during and after delivery?

We recommend all women (even if they have no infection) to wear masks during delivery. Although this may be uncomfortable to you, yet it is important to minimize the spread of infection.

Meanwhile, health authorities in the country continue to implement the highest level of monitoring, detection, and management procedures to deal with the virus, the public has been advised to follow certain measures to safeguard their health.

For any queries, or concerns related to COVID-19 in Qatar, the public can contact a 24/7 hotline set up by the Ministry. The hotline number is 16000 and is toll-free.

Here's everything you need to know about the virus, including ways to protect yourself.

---

Make sure to check out our social media to keep track of the latest content.

Instagram - @qatarliving

Twitter - @qatarliving

Facebook - Qatar Living

Source Credit: MOPH Qatar