
The SARS-Cov-2 virus pandemic, which was later called COVID-19, made all people aware of its rapid spread. This is including the Indonesian guidelines for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 that are widespread in the media. But what about certain groups such as pregnant and breastfeeding women in dealing with COVID-19? Here are some recommendations that have been reviewed from WHO, UNICEF, the Indonesian government and research for pregnant and breastfeeding women in anticipation of COVID-19.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers are encouraged to prevent COVID-19 as much as possible by:
- Washing hands regularly with soap
- Use antiseptic if soap and water are not available
- Covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing with a tissue or inner arm, then wash hands with soap and water
- Maintain a minimum distance of 1 meter, especially with people who are sick
- Avoid touching face, eyes, nose, and mouth with dirty hands
- Avoid shaking hands
- Avoiding crowds, gatherings and traveling
- Maintain a diet with high consumption of protein, vegetables and fruits, and multivitamins
- The recommended multivitamin for pregnant and breastfeeding mother is a supplement containing folic acid, iron, iodine, vitamin C and vitamin B complex such as Folamil or Blackmores Pregnancy
- If pregnant women experience symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath, contact health care provider immediately for further treatment
- If the pregnant woman is confirmed positive for COVID-19:
- Provide clear information to health workers, especially, regarding complaints and estimate delivery dates
- Still must be accompanied during labor
- Given the right pain relief
- There is no need for a cesarean section if there are no complications
- If possible, the birth schedule has been determined by vaginal birth with the help of induction to prevent fatigue
- Although there have been no cases which indicate that a COVID-19 positive mother will give birth to a positive baby, if the baby is born showing symptoms of COVID-19, the baby should be treated in a neonatal intensive care unit and must be isolated
- For positive breastfeeding mothers COVID-19:
- The SARS-Cov-2 or COVID-19 virus is not detected in breast milk so there is no prohibition on breastfeeding babies
- Avoid things that can transmit the virus such as washing hands before breastfeeding and holding the baby, and using a mask when breastfeeding
- If the mother is worried about transmitting the virus to her baby, can pump breast milk and give it to the baby in a clean and hygienic place or look for breast milk donors
- Routinely clean the surface of objects with disinfectant
As additional information, until now researchers and experts are still studying the complications caused by COVID-19 in pregnant and breastfeeding women. It is not yet clear whether pregnant women who are positive for COVID-19 infection can transmit the virus into their fetuses or not
Writer : Ardina Ulya
Editor : Iqmi Qaisah Ali, Mazidatun Maftukhah, M. Billy Ryan Putra
Translator : Mazidatun Maftukhah