CLEVELAND, Ohio — Cleveland Clinic's Dr. Tosin Goje says each day health officials are learning more about effects the corona virus has on pregnant women.
- Officials say it’s too early to tell if the risk of contracting the virus is higher amongst pregnant women
- Pregnant women should take the same precautions as everyone else to avoid catching the virus and take part in relaxing activities
- Pregnant women should trust themselves and their health care support team
What they know now is that the virus has not been passed from mother to fetus during the pregnancy.
“We are still getting reports from patients that had COVID-19 in pregnancy that have delivered, and as of today, the data we have shows that there's no vertical transmission — meaning there's no transmission from mother to child, but it's still, it's still early to tell. We are following this closely,” Goje said.
Goje says it’s also too early to tell if the risk of contracting the virus is higher amongst pregnant women. But she says pregnant women should take the same precautions as everyone else to avoid catching the virus.
“The same precautions that we advocate for everybody— thoroughly washing your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, making sure you wipe all the surfaces we call high-touch areas, and, of course, maintaining social distancing is very important,” she said.
As they try to limit that in-person contact, health professionals are using technology more than ever to connect with low-risk expectant mothers.
“There is the availability for virtual offices in pregnancy, mothers have been doing this for a few years and the Cleveland Clinic has been championing this,” Goje said.
Certified birth doula Mary Susan Delagrange says since the corona virus outbreak, she has been in regular communication with her clients via cellphone, email, and Skype.
“It's not the same as having someone who's physically present, but in a situation like this, it's still hugely beneficial because it helps parents moms, and dads feel like they have somebody in their pocket that they can call,” Delagrange said.
Delagrange says emotions are high, especially for first time mothers.
“There's just been a lot of anxiety, mamas are nervous, and I think they're struggling to figure out how to navigate all the information that's coming in, because it changes so frequently.” she said.
She tells her clients to find ways to keep their stress and anxiety under control, like deep breathing, meditating and stretching. She encourages all pregnant women themselves and their baby.
“If you're fearful, then your body is going to tense up, and when bodies are tense, then they experience pain more acutely. And if they're experiencing pain more acutely, then they're going to become more fearful, and then it just spirals on and on and on from there,” Goje said.
Goje says important for pregnant women to trust themselves and their health care support team though these uncertain times.
“Be assured that as at every point, the health system is actually doing its best. They're planning, they're preparing and taking steps as we get information to keep more babies safe,” Goje said.