Due to the great changes that a pregnant woman has in her body and her immune system, pregnant women and postpartum women are part of the risk group of covid-19. What should we do to protect them in this pandemic moment?
According to the nurse and obstetrician and doula Angélica Quiccoli, a volunteer in Cordão de Afeto Compassiva’s project, care for pregnant women is the same that the entire population needs to have: always wash your hands and also sanitize with alcohol gel, keep your distance from people , wear a mask when going out on the street and maintain physical isolation.
“Pregnant women should not stop prenatal care, but be very careful when going to UBS (Basic Health Unit – public health service)”, one of the videos that have been published on Compassiva‘s social networks explains that.
“Fear cannot be greater than the pregnant woman’s choices”, she also observes. If the mother has a cough, fever and shortness of breath, she should contact her UBS or the professional who has attended her, before going to the health service.
In addition, the rights of the pregnant woman remain valid, as long as it does not involve any person diagnosed with the Covid-19. “She can still have a healthy companion during appointments,” she explains.
Another question is whether normal delivery is a good option in times of pandemic. At this time, in addition to the countless benefits already recognized for the health of women and newborns, normal birth reduces the length of hospital stay. In other words, “it reduces the risk of infection and improves this woman’s recovery. If she is suspected or confirmed by Covid-19, her delivery will be hospital and her maternal conditions will be assessed ”.
Breastfeeding the baby requires some special care. “As long as the woman wants to breastfeed, or is in clinical conditions to carry out breastfeeding in an appropriate and safe way, the orientation is to clean her hands before and after touching the babies, using a mask during breastfeeding”, she says.
During breastfeeding intervals, the recommendation is that you keep your distance from the baby, in addition to cleaning all the material you use during breastfeeding, such as breast pumps, for example.
Moms who are not physically able to breastfeed can pump her own milk, instructing another healthy person to offer this food to their baby.
Angélica also says that “it is necessary to contact a health professional to obtain adequate guidance on safe ways to perform this procedure”.
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