Stating that covid-19 infection during pregnancy and newborn period causes premature births, Liv Hospital Neonatology Specialist Assoc. Dr. Adil Umut Zübarioğlu says that babies are affected according to the severity of the infection in their mothers.
If the mother is positive, the newborn is also considered positive.
If there is a COVID-14 infection in those born to a mother with a history of infection with COVID-28 within 19 days before birth and within 19 days after birth, or in those who care for the baby at home, visitors, and hospital personnel providing care if they are hospitalized, the newborn baby is considered a suspected case regardless of the symptom. . If a positive COVID-19 PCR test is detected in the respiratory tract or blood sample, it is accepted as a definite case.
Hypertension and diabetes in pregnancy Covid-19 risk factor
As our knowledge of the pandemic increases and studies are published around the world, it has begun to be better understood how the COVID-19 infection progresses in pregnant women and newborn babies. It has been shown in meta-analyses that the probability of hospitalization in the intensive care unit and death due to any reason, premature delivery and cesarean delivery increased more in pregnant women who had COVID-19, especially after the spread of the delta variant, compared to those who did not. About 19% of women with positive COVID-10 PCR test during pregnancy had severe COVID infection and the risk factors for serious infection were found to be concomitant respiratory problems, hypertension and diabetes during pregnancy.
Premature births increased after delta variant
In addition to increasing the risk of gestational hypertension, serious infection, intensive care hospitalization, and death in pregnant women, COVID-19 infection significantly increased the probability of premature birth, serious disability and death in the newborn period compared to pregnant women who did not experience. While the frequency of premature birth increased between 32 and 37 weeks of gestation at the beginning of the pandemic, smaller premature baby births began to be seen, especially after the delta variant.
Mother and baby have the same severity of Covid-19 infection
Findings in newborn babies are not very specific. The findings are usually related to the severity of the infection in the mother. While most babies pass without symptoms, which we call asymptomatic, respiratory distress and rapid breathing take the first place in babies with symptoms. Fever, decreased muscle tone, restlessness, feeding difficulties, vomiting and diarrhea are other common findings. Conjunctivitis, rash and low body temperature were also observed after delta variant. Most of the babies who were hospitalized were discharged with only supportive treatment and routine premature intensive care follow-up and treatment was applied to the premature babies.
The most important factor that determines the outcome of newborn babies born to mothers with COVID-19 is how severe the mother has had the disease. As the severity of the disease increases, the rate of preterm birth, the possibility of resuscitation interventions in the delivery room, the duration of the baby's dependence on ventilators and hospital stays are longer.
Pregnant women should take care of themselves and their babies.
For this reason, we strongly recommend pregnant women to comply with mask, distance and hygiene rules during their entire pregnancy, stay away from crowded areas, isolate from sick people, continue pregnancy controls and get vaccinated, both for themselves and their babies.
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