Expectant mothers can breathe a sigh of relief. They are not more prone than others to contracting the deadly coronavirus.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Centre for Controlled Diseases and Unicef, there is presently no evidence suggesting that pregnant mothers are at higher risk or that their unborn children will be affected.
“However, due to changes in their bodies and immune systems, we know that pregnant women can be badly affected by some respiratory infections. It is therefore important that they take precautions to protect themselves against Covid-19 and report possible symptoms [including fever, cough or difficulty breathing] to their healthcare provider, advises the WHO.
When the disease first reached our shores, expectant dad Adrian Cornelius, who works at an Ampath lab, says he was frantic with fear for his wife and unborn son.
Cornelius, 28, had planned a baby shower of 100 guests and had bought no baby essentials at the time.
“But sadly, I watched the news and saw the numbers were increasing. I told my girlfriend we can’t take the chance of having any of them infected by this sickness. It was not lockdown yet – it was only social distancing rules. But we would rather be safe than sorry.
“I paid for the hall but will use it when we have the christening ceremony later in the year,” says Cornelius. His baby boy was born at Parklane Clinic, Joburg, on Monday morning. He praises the hospital for its strict rules.
“I went out to buy some snacks at about 3pm. When I returned, they refused that I come back in. I wasn’t impressed at the time, but as someone who works in the health industry, I understood their concerns. I only went back when it was time for them to go home.”
He adds that before to the birth, they were advised by a gynaecologist to self-isolate until the birth as doctors themselves didn’t understand what the new disease was capable of doing to pregnant women.
He also had to rush out before lockdown kicked in to stock up on baby essentials, including formula, clothes and a cot. His family is home now, but he says he makes sure not to handle the baby without sanitising first.
A 30-year-old woman, who prefers to remain anonymous, says she found out she was pregnant after returning from a cruise recently. But soon after, she and her family tested positive for Covid-19.
“The thought of suicide even crossed my mind. I had fears that my unborn child will be deformed or that I may lose the child,” she says. She has since recovered and her second tests came back negative. “Scans show that the baby is thriving.”
Actress Quanita Adams is due on May 1.
“My original due date is May 12, but we are ‘fetching’ her, and all things are going according to plan, that is scheduled for May 1.
“We had long and detailed discussions with our incredible team at the MediClinic and the date is both safest for me and the baby, and she’ll be here at 38 weeks and three days. We can’t wait,” she says.
With it being her first pregnancy, she has been observing social distancing and semi-lockdown conditions since the first announcement of the pandemic.
“We don’t leave the house except to go to the doctor for our routine check-ups and scans. When we get deliveries, we disinfect, wash everything, including hands etc.
“So, I guess, hyper vigilance about distancing and not coming into contact with anyone works.
“I also managed to get a flu shot, which won’t guard against the virus, but will certainly help to protect against whatever seasonal cold and flu is also lurking about. Of course, there is a concern about the hospital in and of itself being a flashpoint or a vector.
“But I have to say that primarily, my concerns are for the healthcare workers and other essential workers who themselves don’t have a choice but put themselves at risk of exposure daily. I get to leave. They don’t have that luxury.”
She too has been accumulating baby clothes and had to cancel her baby shower. Though restrictions have been lifted on baby essentials, she says they should include a wider range of items.
