4 pregnant women hospitalised with COVID-19

Four obstetric patients have been hospitalised with COVID-19 at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
This is according to Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, who, during Thursday’s COVID-19 update said the discovery was made during a routine check-up of the patients, who have since been isolated from the general ward population.
“So, mothers would come in and we would administer the COVID test just to make sure. And sometimes we find that mothers who are ready to give birth tested positive, so, we have to take precautions to make sure and also to reduce spread among the nursing staff and patients within the wards,” he explained.
Dr Anthony noted that between 12,000 and 14,000 births take place annually, with about 8000 at GPHC alone, adding that since the pandemic started, it is routine for expectant mothers to be tested.

Meanwhile, breastfeeding mothers would not be affected if they take any of the COVID-19 vaccines, the Health Minister said.
“The advice has been that during pregnancy you can take the vaccine, however, it is better if those persons who have any doubt, to consult with their obstetrician to just make sure they have that discussion. And I’m sure the obstetrician would be able to clarify and clear up any doubts that they may have,” Dr Anthony stated.
Similarly, he noted that mothers who were breastfeeding could continue to do so, adding that it was safe. “We encourage pregnant women to get their vaccines. We encourage mothers who are breastfeeding to get their vaccines; there is no adverse outcome.”