Baby Bird Midwifery

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COVID-19 and Pregnancy

Never in modern times have health care professionals alongside the general population globally, seen such uncertain times and dramatic lifestyles changes from a virus that has caused a pandemic of significant illness and deaths of its populations within many counties from around the world.

From reading research and articles from trusted sources in health and especially midwifery publications, the literature produced from data with the overall effects on pregnant women and their unborn babies is limited as a result. This is because there has not been previously a greater population with specific trials to measure the long-term effects over a period to time to evaluate the impact on womens pregnancies and their babies with COVID-19.

COVID-19 is a new strain of the developed coronavirus (SARS-COV-2) and it was initially established in Wuhan, China. There are many other coronavirus strains, such as the ‘common cold’ and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) to name a few, although there are many more (Public Health England) PHE, 2020.

However according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) 2020, they suggest that currently there is no evidence that pregnant women are susceptible to higher risks of severe illness ordinarily than healthy adults within the general population. However, we must consider that this is an ever changing and evolving situation, where guidance and evidence will undoubtedly change. It has been noted that there have been differences of how its contaminations has spread within populations in different countries. According to the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), 2020, Most cases of COVID-19 Transmission around the world has been from person to person transmission, although there have been recent cases where society has developed the symptoms where there has been no contact with infected humans. It is suggested by the RCM, (2020) that many pregnant women will develop mild symptoms ranging from the common cold/flu like symptoms to more severe symptoms such as pneumonia, especially if pregnant women already have a long term health conditions (e.g. co-existing significant congenital issues or acquired heart disease) alongside their pregnancies. Although pregnant women come under the sphere of ‘Susceptible’ (a word I prefer using instead of ‘Vulnerable’), due to the changes in their immune systems during pregnancy, making them more likely to be affected by illness; although there is no evidence currently to support this (Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), 2020. Furthermore, they’re recommendations are if you become infected with COVID-19, pregnant women are likely to have little or NO symptoms, from which a full recovery is achievable. However, women are advised to contact NHS 111 or your maternity call helpline number at your local Trusts’ if your symptoms are worsening and signifying a severe chest infection, which acquires further medical assistance (RCOG, 2020).

The RCOG (2020) have recently updated their report for health professionals regarding COVID-19, as it has now been established that vertical transmission (transmission from mother to baby antenatally or during intrapartum) is probable, but the amount of pregnancies affected and the outcomes to the neonate is yet to be conclusive. The case reports in China outlined a lack of evidence was seen from the virus in amniotic fluid, cord blood, neonatal throat swabs, placenta swabs, genital fluid and breastmilk samples have all proved negative from infected mothers. According to the Association for Improvements in the Maternity Services (AIMS, 2020) analysing the RCOG, 2020 Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection in pregnancy, 2020. it is established that there is no increased risk from current evidence that COVID-19 increases the risk of miscarriage or birth anomalies if a mother has the viral disease. In China there was limited case studies that could be determined from research the commonality of a fetus being infected while in the womb and the effects on the baby after birth.

For pregnant women considering a waterbirth, there has been no evidence that COVID-19 spreads through pools, however essential maintenance and disinfection (e.g. chlorine and bromine) should remove and stop the virus that causes COVID-19 (Waterbirth.Org, 2020).

I hope my publication from established and credible evidenced based sources currently answers some impending questions you may have. However, Due to the ever changing affects/guidance/safety measures/supplies/government advice I would suggest that women can follow various high quality research/advice via the links I have supplied, instead of supplying continuous updated guidance within my news real, as this is an ever evolving medical pandemic and I want all pregnant women and their families to receive the most current and accurate publications at the time of reading while being safe.

If you would like to discuss COVID-19 further and the care I can provide you at this time, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I am still offering all private midwifery care including homebirth & waterbirths combined with the safety measures currently put in place by UK Birth Centres.

Please stay safe at home and informed with evidenced based research.

Kindest Regards and Best Wishes.
Claire Stemp (BSC Hons First Class Midwifery)
All text above is copyright to Claire Stemp, 01/4/2020

Sources:

AIMS, 2020. Coronavirus

Public Health England, 2020. Wuhan Novel Coronavirus Epidemiology Virology and Clinical Features

RCM, 2020. Advice For Pregnant Women

RCOG, 2020. 28/03/2020 Covid19 Pregnancy Guidance

Waterbirth International, 2020. Keeping Waterbirth Safe During COVID-19

WHO, 2020. Q & A - Covid-19, Pregnancy, Childbirth & Breastfeeding

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