Winter Quarter Meeting #1 Recap: Impact of Covid19 on Expecting Mothers
Testing Positive for COVID19 During Pregnancy
People who are pregnant or recently pregnant are at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 when compared to people who are not pregnant (CDC).
The Risks of COVID-19
Pregnant women with COVID-19 were found to be more likely to be hospitalized and require ICU admission than non-pregnant women. 55% percent of the hospitalized patients had no COVID-19 symptoms (asymptomatic). 1/5th of the hospitalized women had underlying medical conditions. There was a 2% pregnancy loss rate, and a small increase in preterm deliveries (Johns Hopkins Medicine Maternal Fetal Medicine Department).
30% Increase in Postpartum Depression Cases During the Pandemic - Misty Richards, MD, MS, a director of the Maternal Outpatient Mental Health Services program at UCLA
The early postpartum period is cross-culturally recognized as being crucial for recovery. New parents tend to lean on friends and family to help with the tumultuous transition of having a new child. Though, COVID-19-related lockdown measures has disrupted these support systems and concerns about their own health and child's health compounded new parents’ anxiety.
Racial & Ethnic Disparities amongst pregnant women during Covid-19
Black women specifically have higher rates of depression and anxiety More likely to worry about job security, lasting impacts of COVID-19, pre and postnatal care, and physically giving birth Reported a greater likelihood of having their employment negatively affected, and have higher concerns about a lasting economic burden Racism is also a factor affecting mental health, such as the case of George Floyd Latina mothers are hesitating to seek help due to stigmas associated with mental illness, as well as cultural expectations surrounding motherhood and the traditional roles of women in Latin societies (Psychiatry Research Journal).
Can the Virus Be Transmitted to the Baby?
Though it is uncommon, it does appear to be possible for parents to transmit the virus to their unborn child, either just before, during or after birth, as some newborns test positive for COVID-19. Most newborns who test positive for COVID-19 experience only mild symptoms or are asymptomatic (experience no symptoms at all). Rarely, a newborn may develop a severe illness (University of Chicago Medicine).
Changes in Hospital Policy: The Labor & Delivery Unit
Many hospitals are changing their visitor policies to control the spread of the coronavirus. The Johns Hopkins Hospital strictly limits labor and delivery visitors to one: a partner, a family member or a doula (Johns Hopkins Medicine).
Covid-19 Vaccines During Breastfeeding and Pregnancy
If a woman is pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s recommended that they get a COVID-19 vaccine. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine can protect them from severe illness due to COVID-19. Vaccination can also help pregnant women build antibodies that might protect their babies. If possible, people who live with them should also be vaccinated against COVID-19 (Mayo Clinic).