Obese, diabetic pregnant women at high risk for Covid: Expert

Mohali: “Pregnant women carry the same risk of being infected as any individual around her. Those over 35-yr of age, obese, diabetic, hypertensive and with associated medical condition are at high risk.”

Dr Parneet Kaur, a high-risk pregnancy specialist at Ivy Hospital, Mohali said on Wednesday that since it’s a new virus, nothing can be said for definite.  Cases of transmission from mother to baby have been mentioned. However, the illness has been mild to moderate, she remarked.

Replying to a question on breastfeeding safety, she said that a woman with Covid-19 is allowed to breast feed her baby and share the same room. Frequent hand washing and wearing of masks is encouraged. In case the mother is unwell to breast feed then expressed milk can be given to the baby, she asserted.

Talking about tips for pregnant women, she advised to wear a face mask, maintain social distancing, sanitize/wash hands frequently, get regular pregnancy check-ups, stay hydrated and mobile, exercise regularly and follow a balanced diet. One also needs to continue with supplements, be aware of any suspicious symptoms such as fever, cough, difficulty breathing. Do not panic and seek medical help immediately, she maintained.