Is there a risk of transmission during pregnancy?
Due to the recent emergence of the coronavirus disease, there are few studies on its consequences in pregnant women, fetuses and infants. According to current literature, there appears to be no risk of transmission of COVID-19 to the fetus if the pregnant woman is a carrier. Among the eighteen cases studied, none of the newborns had the virus at birth. However, in the coming weeks, other cases will confirm or reverse the conclusions made for now.
Pregnant women do not appear to be more prone to COVID-19 contamination than the rest of the general population. They must adopt the same preventative hygiene practices.
For up-to-date information related to pregnancy and the workplace, you can visit the website of the National Institute of Public Health.
Is breastfeeding still recommended?
Much like during pregnancy, the virus does not seem to be transmitted from mother to baby during breastfeeding. COVID-19 does not pass into breast milk according to current scientific data, as no trace of the virus was found in the samples tested. Breastfeeding remains recommended. Even if the mother has the virus, breastfeeding can be continued. The benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the possible risk of viral exposure. However, precautions are necessary to avoid any transmission of the virus:
- Wash hands before and after any contact with the baby or with milk expression equipment;
- Wear a mask while breastfeeding and respect standard hygiene practices;
- Ask family members to follow preventive hygiene measures to avoid contaminating the baby.
