Health officials assure it is still safe to give birth, breastfeed newborns

COVID-19

…but unsure if virus can be transmitted during pregnancy

Pregnant women are not at a higher risk of contracting the novel coronavirus, but nevertheless, they should take extra precautions since there will be changes to their bodies and immune systems.
This is according to acting Maternal and Child Health Officer, Dr Oneka Scott, who noted that with some 15,000 births annually in Guyana, many women may be asking how pregnancies can be affected by coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
She noted that according to research by the World Health Organisation (WHO), pregnant women were not at a higher risk of contracting the novel coronavirus than the general population.
However, Dr Scott noted that owing to changes in our bodies and immune systems when pregnant, the last months of pregnancy could be gravely affected by some respiratory infections, and so It was important to take all necessary precautions.
Expecting mothers, she explained, should take all precautions like everyone else such as avoiding large gatherings, washing hands regularly, and practising social distancing.

Clinic check-ups
Dr Scott noted that it remained “very safe” to visit care centres as “no clinics have been terminated and antenatal services continue uninterrupted”.
Currently, all local clinics are adhering to physical distancing guidelines and as such, “you may receive a call from your provider to reschedule your appointment to a specified time and date”.
The Public Health Ministry is urging persons to keep those appointment times as it prevents overcrowding at the facilities. Persons are also encouraged, upon visiting the health facility, to adhere to the seating arrangements, respiratory hygiene and any other measures adopted by the facilities.
Moreover, Dr Scott reassured the populace that hospitals were safe places to give birth even amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“All birthing facilities are safe for delivery. In addition, there have been some adjustments and changes at birthing sites to prevent the spread of COVID-19. All health-care providers will be wearing a mask and other protective equipment. You will also be requested to wear a mask when accessing the services,” she noted.
Furthermore, Dr Scott explained that all birthing facilities have made provisions to ensure safe delivery of any pregnant mother diagnosed with COVID-19.
In fact, she said at the Georgetown Public Hospital, there is a special section identified for delivery and c-section operations.
After the baby is born, the mother will also be cared for in a special designated space.

Transmission
There is still not even research to determine whether COVID-19-infected pregnant women can pass the virus onto their newborns.
But Dr Scott noted that in Guyana, during delivery, “health-care providers will take all the necessary precautions to keep your baby safe”.
Additionally, she noted that as far as research has shown, it remains “perfectly safe to continue breastfeeding”.
“It’s the best thing a mother can do for her newborn, bearing in mind that you will have to protect your baby from transmission of infections,” she said.
Meanwhile, Dr Scott is encouraging pregnant women who may display symptoms related to COVID-19 to disclose such information to their health-care providers.
“It is in keeping with the objective of providing the safest care for you and your baby,” she said.
Persons can also contact the Maternal and Child Health Department at their neighbourhood health facility, or on the Ministry’s Facebook page if they have any questions or comments.